Category: Economy

MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PARLIAMENT QUESTION: TECHNICAL AND FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO STATES FOR DRINKING WATER

Source: Government of India (2)

Ministry of Jal Shakti

PARLIAMENT QUESTION: TECHNICAL AND FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO STATES FOR DRINKING WATER

Posted On: 17 MAR 2025 4:52PM by PIB Delhi

Since August 2019, Government of India in partnership with States is implementing Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) – Har Ghar Jal to make provision of potable water to every rural household of the country, through functional tap water connection i.e. at a service level of 55 litre per capita per day (lpcd), of prescribed quality (BIS:10500), on regular and long-term basis.

At the start of the Mission, only 3.23 Crore (16.7%) rural households were reported to have tap water connections. So far, as reported by States/ UTs as on 12.03.2025, under Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) – Har Ghar Jal around 12.29 Crore additional rural households have been provided with tap water connections. Thus, as on 12.03.2025, out of 19.36 Crore rural households in the country, more than 15.52 Crore (80.15%) households are reported to have tap water supply in their homes. State/ UT-wise details are as at below.

State/ UT-wise and year-wise details of fund allocation, drawn and utilization reported under JJM are at below.

In addition, a number of steps have been taken to plan and implement JJM in the whole country, with speed, inter alia, including joint discussions and finalization of saturation plans and annual action plans (AAP) of States/ UTs, regular review of implementation, workshops/ conferences/ webinars for capacity building, training, knowledge sharing, field visits by multi-disciplinary team to provide technical support, etc. A detailed Operational Guideline for the implementation of JJM; Margdarshika for Gram Panchayats & VWSCs to provide safe drinking water in rural households and Guidelines on a special campaign to provide piped water supply in anganwadi centres, ashramshalas and schools have been shared with States/ UTs to facilitate planning and implementation of Jal Jeevan Mission. For online monitoring, JJM–Integrated Management Information System (IMIS) and JJM–Dashboard has been put in place. Provision has also been made for transparent online financial management through Public Financial Management System (PFMS).

Further, as informed by Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs, Water being a state subject, management of water is the responsibility of the State Government. However, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs has taken several steps towards sustainable management and conservation of water in urban areas through issuance of various guidelines and implementation of National Missions i.e. Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) & AMRUT 2.0. Funds under AMRUT & AMRUT 2.0 are allocated/ released State/UTs wise and not component wise.

Under AMRUT, 1,405 water supply projects worth Rs.43,430 crore grounded of which works worth Rs.41,714 crore have been physically completed and in convergence with the States 189 lakh water tap connections (new/ serviced) have been provided under the Mission. Against the committed Central Assistance (CA) of Rs.35,990 crore for project Rs.34,901 crore has been released.

Moreover, under AMRUT 2.0 so far, 3,568 water supply projects worth Rs.1,14,220.62 Crore have been approved to cover 407 lakh new/service tap connections. Against the committed Central Assistance (CA) of Rs. 66,750 Crore for project, Rs.12,511.94 crore has been released/sanctioned.

In addition, as informed by Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation (DoWR, RD & GR), National Water Policy (2012) has been formulated which, inter-alia, advocates rainwater harvesting and conservation of water and highlights the need for augmenting the availability of water through direct use of rainfall. It also inter-alia, includes conservation of rivers, river bodies and creation of infrastructure be undertaken in a scientifically planned manner through community participation. Further, encroachment and diversion of water bodies and drainage channels be not allowed and wherever, it has taken place, be restored to the extent feasible and maintained properly. DoWR, RD & GR has also advised States/ UTs to draft/ revise their water policies in accordance with the National Water Policy (2012).

Apart from this, the important steps taken by the Central Government for sustainable ground water management in the country can be seen at:

https://cdnbbsr.s3waas.gov.in/s3a70dc40477bc2adceef4d2c90f47eb82/uploads/2024/07/20240716706354487.pdf.

This information was provided by THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR JAL SHAKTI, SHRI V. SOMANNA in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.

Annex referred to in Statement referred in reply of Rajya Sabha Starred Question No. 1848 answered on 17.03.2025

JJM: State/ UT-wise status of tap water connections in rural households as on 12.03.2025

(Number in lakhs)

S. No.	State/ UT	Total rural HHs	Rural HHs with tap water supply as on 15.8.2019		Rural HHs with tap water connection as on date
S. No.	State/ UT	Total rural HHs	No.	%	No.	%
1.	A & N Islands	0.62	0.29	46.02	0.62	100.00
2.	Arunachal Pr.	2.29	0.23	9.97	2.29	100.00
3.	DNH & DD	0.85	0.00	0.00	0.85	100.00
4.	Goa	2.64	1.99	75.44	2.64	100.00
5.	Gujarat	91.18	65.16	71.46	91.18	100.00
6.	Haryana	30.41	17.66	58.08	30.41	100.00
7.	Himachal Pr.	17.09	7.63	44.64	17.09	100.00
8.	Mizoram	1.33	0.09	6.91	1.33	100.00
9.	Puducherry	1.15	0.94	81.33	1.15	100.00
10.	Punjab	34.27	16.79	48.98	34.27	100.00
11.	Telangana	53.98	15.68	29.05	53.98	100.00
13.	Uttarakhand	14.50	1.30	8.99	14.12	97.38
14.	Ladakh	0.41	0.01	3.48	0.39	96.54
12.	Bihar	167.55	3.16	1.89	160.36	95.71
15.	Nagaland	3.64	0.14	3.82	3.37	92.76
16.	Lakshadweep	0.13		0.00	0.12	91.41
17.	Sikkim	1.33	0.70	52.96	1.21	91.00
18.	Maharashtra	146.80	48.44	33.00	130.36	88.80
20.	Uttar Pr.	267.22	5.16	1.93	236.78	88.61
19.	Tamil Nadu	125.28	21.76	17.37	110.85	88.48
21.	Tripura	7.51	0.25	3.26	6.40	85.30
27.	Karnataka	101.32	24.51	24.19	84.92	83.81
24.	Meghalaya	6.51	0.05	0.70	5.33	81.92
23.	Assam	72.25	1.11	1.54	58.84	81.44
22.	J & K	19.22	5.75	29.93	15.59	81.12
26.	Chhattisgarh	50.02	3.20	6.39	40.33	80.63
25.	Manipur	4.52	0.26	5.74	3.59	79.59
28.	Odisha	88.69	3.11	3.50	67.89	76.54
29.	Andhra Pr.	95.53	30.74	32.18	70.51	73.81
30.	Madhya Pr.	111.82	13.53	12.10	76.13	68.09
33.	Rajasthan	107.75	11.74	10.90	60.11	55.79
34.	West Bengal	175.56	2.15	1.22	96.43	54.93
31.	Jharkhand	62.56	3.45	5.52	34.25	54.75
32.	Kerala	70.77	16.64	23.51	38.48	54.38
	Total	19,36.70	3,23.63	16.71	15,52.19	80.15

Source: JJM – IMIS HH: Households

Annex referred to in Statement referred in reply of Rajya Sabha Starred Question No. 1848 answered on 17.03.2025

Jal Jeevan Mission: Central fund allocated, drawn by the States and reported utilization in 2019-20

(Amount in Rs. Crore)

S. No.	State/ UT	Central share									Expenditure under State share
		Opening Balance		Fund allocated		Fund drawn		Available fund	Reported utilization
1	A&N Islands	–		1.78		0.50		0.50	NR		–
2	Andhra Pr.	25.74		372.64		372.64		398.38	121.62		60.59
3	Arunachal Pr.	6.22		132.55		177.47		183.69	127.68		13.05
4	Assam	359.35		694.95		442.36		801.71	358.87		29.01
5	Bihar	313.16		787.31		417.35		730.51	473.33		150.34
6	Chhattisgarh	31.58		208.04		65.82		97.40	39.23		38.52
7	Goa	–		7.57		3.08		3.08	3.08		6.17
8	Gujarat	–		390.31		390.31		390.31	384.61		394.74
9	Haryana	10.13		149.95		149.95		160.08	69.29		73.80
10	Himachal Pr.	–		148.67		205.83		205.83	197.41		15.46
11	J & K	27.14		322.03		322.03		349.17	200.25		24.01
12	Jharkhand	75.79		267.69		291.19		366.98	114.89		120.78
13	Karnataka	26.61		546.06		546.06		572.67	491.01		298.70
14	Kerala	2.58		248.76		101.29		103.87	62.69		57.23
15	Ladakh	8.10		166.65		67.86		75.96	NR		0.61
16	Madhya Pr.	1.26		571.60		571.60		572.86	326.65		288.75
17	Maharashtra	248.12		847.97		345.28		593.40	308.04		431.79
18	Manipur	–		67.69		91.17		91.17	28.20		6.60
19	Meghalaya	0.80		86.02		43.01		43.81	26.35		0.77
20	Mizoram	0.14		39.87		68.05		68.19	37.41		1.81
21	Nagaland	–		56.49		56.49		56.49	23.54		4.67
22	Odisha	0.78		364.74		364.74		365.52	260.46		241.12
23	Puducherry	1.27		2.50		ND		1.27	0.97		NR
24	Punjab	102.91		227.46		227.46		330.37	73.27		78.20
25	Rajasthan	313.67		1,301.71		1,301.71		1,615.38	620.31		702.35
26	Sikkim	0.84		15.41		26.15		26.99	14.71		1.48
27	Tamil Nadu	1.49		373.87		373.10		374.59	114.58		99.14
28	Telangana	4.48		259.14		105.52		110.00	88.33		72.89
29	Tripura	48.94		107.64		145.37		194.31	59.45		6.48
30	Uttar Pr.	58.33		1,206.28		1,513.14		1,571.47	638.22		379.17
31	Uttarakhand	6.12		170.53		170.53		176.65	110.04		23.02
32	West Bengal	760.82		995.33		994.75		1,755.57	609.00		469.54
Total			2,436.37		11,139.21		9,951.81	12,388.18	5,983.49	4,090.79

DNH & DD and Lakshadweep does not avail fund ND: Not Drawn NR: Not Reported Source: JJM-IMIS

Jal Jeevan Mission: Central fund allocated, drawn by the States and reported utilization in 2020-21

(Amount in Rs. Crore)

S. No.	State/ UT	Central share										Expenditure under State share
		Opening Balance		Fund allocated		Fund drawn		Available fund		Reported utilization
1	A&N Islands	0.50		2.93		1.46		1.96		1.45		–
2	Andhra Pr.	276.76		790.48		297.62		574.38		419.30		181.31
3	Arunachal Pr.	56.02		254.85		344.85		400.87		392.43		47.15
4	Assam	452.45		1,608.51		551.77		1,004.22		880.44		91.08
5	Bihar	257.18		1,839.16		353.60		610.78		551.82		374.42
6	Chhattisgarh	58.17		445.52		334.14		392.31		223.77		221.04
7	Goa	–		12.41		6.20		6.20		2.99		13.49
8	Gujarat	5.70		883.08		983.08		988.78		838.50		883.43
9	Haryana	90.80		289.52		72.38		163.18		130.67		120.09
10	Himachal Pr.	8.42		326.20		547.48		555.90		329.01		42.25
11	J & K	148.92		681.77		53.72		202.64		88.69		5.17
12	Jharkhand	268.08		572.24		143.06		411.14		286.62		177.73
13	Karnataka	81.65		1,189.40		446.36		528.01		349.62		428.26
14	Kerala	41.18		404.24		303.18		344.36		304.29		311.25
15	Ladakh	75.96		352.09		ND		75.96		9.43		NR
16	Madhya Pr.	246.21		1,280.13		960.09		1,206.30		1,014.70		876.84
17	Maharashtra	285.35		1,828.92		457.23		742.58		473.59		324.56
18	Manipur	62.96		131.80		141.80		204.76		189.14		18.52
19	Meghalaya	17.46		174.92		184.92		202.38		188.30		20.44
20	Mizoram	30.77		79.30		104.30		135.07		107.90		10.13
21	Nagaland	34.90		114.09		85.57		120.47		91.95		10.00
22	Odisha	105.07		812.15		609.11		714.18		686.41		671.98
23	Puducherry	0.30		4.64		1.06		1.36		0.20		1.00
24	Punjab	257.10		362.79		ND		257.10		146.74		152.77
25	Rajasthan	995.07		2,522.03		630.51		1,625.58		762.04		815.90
26	Sikkim	12.30		31.36		39.36		51.66		43.43		3.75
27	Tamil Nadu	264.09		921.99		690.36		954.45		576.87		399.57
28	Telangana	31.10		412.19		82.71		113.81		61.17		133.98
29	Tripura	136.46		156.61		117.46		253.92		195.00		22.26
30	Uttar Pr.	933.25		2,570.94		1,295.47		2,228.72		1,774.65		885.89
31	Uttarakhand	66.60		362.58		271.93		338.53		227.32		20.02
32	West Bengal	1,146.58		1,614.18		807.08		1,953.66		1,196.07		641.17
Total			6,447.36		23,033.02		10,917.86		17,365.22		12,544.51		7,905.45

DNH & DD and Lakshadweep does not avail fund ND: Not Drawn NR: Not Reported Source: JJM-IMIS

Jal Jeevan Mission: Central fund allocated, drawn by the States and reported utilization in 2021-22

(Amount in Rs. Crore)

S. No.	State/ UT	Central share										Expenditure under State share
		Opening Balance		Fund allocated		Fund drawn		Available fund		Reported utilization
1	A&N Islands	0.52		8.26		2.06		2.58		1.95		–
2	Andhra Pr.	155.09		3,182.88		791.06		946.15		234.02		233.84
3	Arunachal Pr.	8.43		1,013.53		1,555.53		1,563.96		1,113.37		117.99
4	Assam	123.78		5,601.16		4,200.87		4,324.65		2,505.42		312.89
5	Bihar	58.95		6,608.25		ND		58.95		4.00		336.79
6	Chhattisgarh	168.54		1,908.96		477.24		645.78		498.69		488.63
7	Goa	3.21		45.53		22.77		25.98		14.03		17.98
8	Gujarat	150.28		3,410.61		2,557.96		2,708.24		2,124.85		2,226.25
9	Haryana	32.51		1,119.95		559.98		592.49		433.78		430.31
10	Himachal Pr.	226.89		1,262.78		2,012.78		2,239.67		1,420.78		149.71
11	J & K	113.96		2,747.17		604.18		718.14		112.43		8.31
12	Jharkhand	124.51		2,479.88		512.22		636.73		437.21		510.99
13	Karnataka	178.39		5,008.80		2,504.40		2,682.79		1,418.68		1,567.62
14	Kerala	40.07		1,804.59		1,353.44		1,393.51		957.44		1,059.57
15	Ladakh	66.52		1,429.96		340.68		407.20		144.96		NR
16	Madhya Pr.	191.61		5,116.79		3,837.59		4,029.20		2,262.78		2,479.33
17	Maharashtra	268.99		7,064.41		1,666.64		1,935.63		377.98		477.98
18	Manipur	15.62		481.19		601.19		616.81		474.78		52.80
19	Meghalaya	14.18		678.39		1,078.39		1,092.57		672.05		76.55
20	Mizoram	27.17		303.89		303.89		331.06		250.98		32.31
21	Nagaland	28.52		444.81		333.61		362.13		345.14		27.88
22	Odisha	27.77		3,323.42		2,492.56		2,520.33		1,305.79		1,288.36
23	Puducherry	1.18		30.22		7.47		8.65		2.32		0.10
24	Punjab	110.36		1,656.39		402.24		512.60		247.83		265.70
25	Rajasthan	863.53		10,180.50		2,345.08		3,208.61		1,919.83		1,693.61
26	Sikkim	8.23		124.79		194.79		203.02		90.12		11.57
27	Tamil Nadu	377.58		3,691.21		614.35		991.93		457.63		496.16
28	Telangana	55.15		1,653.09		ND		55.15		17.70		68.88
29	Tripura	61.51		614.09		714.09		775.60		599.82		65.13
30	Uttar Pr.	454.07		10,870.50		5,435.25		5,889.32		2,728.48		2,935.18
31	Uttarakhand	111.22		1,443.80		1,082.85		1,194.07		603.31		67.99
32	West Bengal	757.58		6,998.97		1,404.61		2,162.19		1,547.52		725.77
Total			4,825.92		92,308.77		40,009.77		44,835.69		25,325.67		18,226.18

DNH & DD and Lakshadweep does not avail fund ND: Not Drawn NR: Not Reported Source: JJM-IMIS

Jal Jeevan Mission: Central fund allocated, drawn by the States and reported utilization in 2022-23

(Amount in Rs. Crore)

S. No.	State/ UT	Central share						Expenditure under State share
S. No.	State/ UT	Opening Balance		Fund allocated	Fund drawn	Available fund	Reported utilization
1	A&N Islands	0.63		9.15	2.16	2.79	0.60	–
2	Andhra Pr.	712.13		3,458.20	ND	712.13	304.71	98.38
3	Arunachal Pr.	450.59		1,116.35	1,116.35	1,566.94	1,256.17	181.27
4	Assam	1,819.22		6,117.61	4,588.21	6,407.43	3,959.95	442.75
5	Bihar	54.95		4,766.90	ND	54.95	NR	66.19
6	Chhattisgarh	147.09		2,223.98	2,223.98	2,371.07	2,096.70	2,079.12
7	Goa	11.95		49.98	ND	11.95	11.04	20.14
8	Gujarat	583.39		3,590.16	3,590.16	4,173.55	3,084.89	3,272.38
9	Haryana	158.71		1,157.44	463.00	621.71	519.77	447.46
10	Himachal Pr.	818.89		1,344.94	1,344.94	2,163.83	1,615.65	182.41
11	J & K	605.71		3,039.11	1,439.50	2,045.21	1,141.38	153.69
12	Jharkhand	199.52		2,825.52	2,119.14	2,318.66	1,789.85	1,593.00
13	Karnataka	1,264.11		5,451.85	2,725.93	3,990.04	2,807.73	3,240.51
14	Kerala	436.08		2,206.54	2,206.54	2,642.62	1,741.93	1,741.68
15	Ladakh	262.25		1,555.77	382.76	645.01	364.34	NR
16	Lakshadweep	–		36.99	9.25	9.25	NR	–
17	Madhya Pr.	1,766.42		5,641.02	2,820.51	4,586.93	3,526.87	3,516.37
18	Maharashtra	1,557.65		7,831.25	3,915.62	5,473.27	3,109.53	2,972.21
19	Manipur	142.03		512.05	256.03	398.06	233.64	26.03
20	Meghalaya	420.52		747.76	1,047.00	1,467.52	1,098.48	122.85
21	Mizoram	80.08		333.91	448.58	528.66	407.40	45.74
22	Nagaland	17.00		484.28	484.28	501.28	481.71	52.71
23	Odisha	1,214.54		3,608.62	1,768.73	2,983.27	2,166.00	2,149.50
24	Puducherry	6.34		17.83	ND	6.34	0.94	0.22
25	Punjab	264.78		2,403.46	ND	264.78	264.80	210.69
26	Rajasthan	1,288.79		13,328.60	6,081.80	7,370.59	3,937.70	4,123.31
27	Sikkim	112.90		136.17	188.92	301.82	222.53	20.63
28	Tamil Nadu	534.30		4,015.00	872.96	1,407.26	593.71	664.36
29	Telangana	37.44		1,657.56	ND	37.44	11.39	13.52
30	Tripura	175.78		666.97	849.91	1,025.69	798.67	82.64
31	Uttar Pr.	3,160.84		12,662.05	9,496.54	12,657.38	9,650.07	9,259.84
32	Uttarakhand	590.75		1,612.50	1,209.38	1,800.13	1,515.93	163.93
33	West Bengal	614.67		6,180.25	3,090.12	3,704.79	1,953.73	3,204.21
Total			19,510.05	100,789.77	54,742.30	74,252.35	50,667.81	40,147.74

DNH & DD does not avail fund ND: Not Drawn NR: Not Reported Source: JJM-IMIS

Jal Jeevan Mission: Central fund allocated, drawn by the States and reported utilization in 2023-24

(Amount in Rs. Crore)

S. No.	State/ UT	Central share								Expenditure under State share
		Opening Balance		Fund allocated		Fund drawn		Available fund	Reported utilization
1	A&N Islands	2.20		7.52		3.76		5.96	0.99	–
2	Andhra Pr.	407.42		6,530.49		793.57		1,200.99	861.11	939.08
3	Arunachal Pr.	310.77		1,057.11		771.21		1,081.98	1,056.97	137.98
4	Assam	2,447.48		10,351.68		6,204.00		8,651.48	7,870.90	866.11
5	Bihar	54.95		–		ND		54.95	NR	NR
6	Chhattisgarh	274.38		4,485.60		2,885.56		3,159.94	2,638.91	2,627.12
7	Goa	0.92		11.25		11.25		12.17	11.76	11.25
8	Gujarat	1,088.66		2,982.85		2,237.14		3,325.80	2,377.83	2,676.40
9	Haryana	101.93		1,053.44		526.72		628.65	589.79	687.56
10	Himachal Pr.	548.18		379.67		402.34		950.52	859.96	98.38
11	J & K	903.84		9,611.31		3,267.12		4,170.96	3,510.26	364.69
12	Jharkhand	528.81		4,722.76		2,875.35		3,404.16	3,140.70	3,291.53
13	Karnataka	1,182.31		12,623.37		4,966.62		6,148.93	5,266.73	6,106.09
14	Kerala	900.69		1,342.36		671.18		1,571.87	1,465.41	1,448.53
15	Ladakh	280.66		477.11		131.07		411.73	346.73	NR
16	Lakshadweep	9.25		39.63		19.82		29.07	NR	–
17	Madhya Pr.	1,060.06		10,297.86		5,419.90		6,479.96	6,388.57	6,390.54
18	Maharashtra	2,363.74		21,465.88		7,444.26		9,808.00	8,208.53	8,371.34
19	Manipur	164.42		110.54		ND		164.42	119.49	18.75
20	Meghalaya	369.04		3,567.25		1,500.00		1,869.04	1,573.51	171.74
21	Mizoram	121.27		425.46		303.10		424.37	416.52	43.77
22	Nagaland	19.57		366.86		314.90		334.47	294.71	44.02
23	Odisha	817.27		2,108.54		2,108.54		2,925.81	2,441.58	2,428.36
24	Puducherry	5.40		15.39		1.00		6.40	6.39	0.62
25	Punjab	–		479.02		119.76		119.76	103.79	166.43
26	Rajasthan	3,432.89		3,019.94		250.00		3,682.89	2,898.54	3,904.64
27	Sikkim	79.29		634.55		251.61		330.90	318.98	29.67
28	Tamil Nadu	813.55		3,615.56		2,617.10		3,430.65	2,617.49	2,612.30
29	Telangana	26.06		–		ND		26.06	NR	NR
30	Tripura	227.01		1,773.40		744.18		971.19	860.09	105.25
31	Uttar Pr.	3,007.30		20,884.45		16,947.00		19,954.30	19,102.47	20,285.30
32	Uttarakhand	284.20		4,689.69		1,890.66		2,174.86	1,942.71	236.81
33	West Bengal	1,751.06		3,806.29		4,206.29		5,957.35	5,004.16	5,155.11
Total			23,584.58		132,936.83		69,885.01	93,469.59	82,295.58	69,219.37

DNH & DD does not avail fund ND: Not Drawn NR: Not Reported Source: JJM-IMIS

Jal Jeevan Mission: Central fund allocated, drawn by the States and reported utilization in 2024-25

(As on 12.03.2025)

(Amount in Rs. Crore)

S. No.	State/ UT	Central share						Expenditure under State share
S. No.	State/ UT	Opening Balance	Fund allocated	Fund drawn	Available fund	Reported utilization
1	A&N Islands	4.97	2.98	ND	4.97	NR	–
2	Andhra Pr.	339.88	2,520.97	ND	339.88	300.94	488.18
3	Arunachal Pr.	26.84	217.82	108.91	135.75	22.94	0.07
4	Assam	780.58	5,198.78	2,159.63	2,940.21	2,464.68	272.78
5	Bihar	54.95	–	ND	54.95	NR	NR
6	Chhattisgarh	521.03	1,277.27	191.59	712.62	483.67	1,780.77
7	Goa	0.40	4.32	0.65	1.05	NR	NR
8	Gujarat	947.97	2,420.14	ND	947.97	754.44	1,703.15
9	Haryana	38.86	462.03	ND	38.86	19.17	231.47
10	Himachal Pr.	90.56	916.53	137.48	228.04	157.67	16.96
11	J & K	660.69	2,112.86	693.86	1,354.55	1,109.12	103.67
12	Jharkhand	263.46	2,114.22	ND	263.46	123.00	288.34
13	Karnataka	882.20	3,804.41	570.66	1,452.86	710.85	4,578.83
14	Kerala	106.45	1,949.36	974.68	1,081.13	984.48	972.21
15	Ladakh	65.00	624.78	187.43	252.43	60.78	–
16	Lakshadweep	29.06	0.75	0.38	29.44	NR	NR
17	Madhya Pr.	91.39	4,044.70	2,622.35	2,713.74	2,618.24	2,693.47
18	Maharashtra	1,599.47	5,352.93	1,605.88	3,205.35	2,067.84	2,336.22
19	Manipur	44.93	–	ND	44.93	30.56	1.12
20	Meghalaya	296.90	653.60	291.08	587.98	537.34	66.95
21	Mizoram	7.85	45.09	13.52	21.37	18.82	7.38
22	Nagaland	39.75	39.75	19.87	59.62	50.93	5.73
23	Odisha	484.23	2,455.94	368.39	852.62	544.56	540.53
24	Puducherry	0.01	12.58	3.78	3.79	1.51	0.23
25	Punjab	15.97	644.54	50.00	65.97	3.46	45.80
26	Rajasthan	786.95	11,061.46	1,659.22	2,446.17	2,181.30	2,171.17
27	Sikkim	11.92	124.50	62.25	74.17	33.45	9.56
28	Tamil Nadu	813.15	2,438.89	731.67	1,544.82	1,297.67	1,452.51
29	Telangana	26.06	–	ND	26.06	NR	NR
30	Tripura	111.10	736.75	368.38	479.48	422.45	45.75
31	Uttar Pr.	851.83	12,621.95	6,310.98	7,162.81	6,984.81	9,176.98
32	Uttarakhand	232.51	1,016.80	508.40	740.91	303.24	NR
33	West Bengal	953.19	5,049.98	2,524.99	3,478.18	2,963.92	4,028.69
Total		11,180.11	69,926.68	22,166.02	33,346.14	27,251.84	33,018.52

DNH & DD does not avail fund ND: Not Drawn NR: Not Reported Source: JJM-IMIS

****

Dhanya Sanal K

Director

(Rajya Sabha US Q1848)

(Release ID: 2111861)

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

March 18, 2025

MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PARLIAMENT QUESTION: PENDING FUNDS TO PUNJAB UNDER JAL JEEVAN MISSION

Source: Government of India (2)

Posted On: 17 MAR 2025 4:51PM by PIB Delhi

Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) generates ground water quality data on a regional scale including State of Punjab as part of its ground water quality monitoring program and various scientific studies. The Annual Ground Water Quality Report – 2024 has been released by the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) recently which can be viewed at https://cgwb.gov.in/cgwbpnm/public/uploads/documents/17363272771910393216file.pdf. Trace elements such as As (Arsenic), U (Uranium) and Selenium (Se) were analyzed at 908 locations. The groundwater quality assessment in Punjab revealed 32.6% of samples surpassing permissible limits for Uranium (U) followed by Arsenic (As) which has been reported in 4.85% samples, while 0.44% samples had Selenium levels above permissible limit.

Government of India is implementing Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) – Har Ghar Jal, since August, 2019, in partnership with States, to make provision of potable tap water supply in adequate quantity, of prescribed quality and on regular & long-term basis to rural households. Under the Jal Jeevan Mission, as per existing guidelines, Bureau of Indian Standards’ BIS:10500 standards are adopted as benchmarks for quality of water being supplied through the piped water supply schemes. Drinking Water being a State subject, the responsibility of planning, approval, implementation, operation, and maintenance of drinking water supply schemes, including those under the Jal Jeevan Mission, lies with State/UT Governments. The Government of India supports the States by providing technical and financial assistance.

Under JJM, while planning water supply schemes to provide tap water supply to households, priority is given to habitations affected by chemical contaminants including Arsenic and Heavy Metals such as Uranium and Selenium. Under JJM, while allocating the funds to States/ UTs, 10% weightage is given to the population residing in habitations affected by chemical contaminants. States/ UTs have been advised to plan and implement piped water supply schemes based on alternative safe water sources for the villages with water quality issues.

In the union budget for 2025-26, the extension of Jal Jeevan Mission till 2028 has been announced. Ministry of Finance has communicated a tentative Budget Estimate of Rs. 67,000 Crore for the Financial Year 2025-26. Once approved by the competent authority, the Central share under JJM may be considered for release. The year-wise details of Central fund allocated, drawn and utilization reported by the State of Punjab under JJM since 2019-20 to 2024-25 (as on 12.03.2025) for making provision of safe drinking water through household tap water connection is as under:

		(Amount in Rs. Crore)
S. No.	Year	Central share					State Expenditure
S. No.	Year	Opening Balance	Fund allocated	Fund Drawn	Available fund	Expenditure	State Expenditure
1.	2019-20	102.91	227.46	227.46	330.37	73.27	78.20
2.	2020-21	257.10	362.79	–	257.10	146.74	152.77
3.	2021-22	110.36	1,656.39	402.24	512.60	247.83	265.70
4.	2022-23	264.78	2,403.46	–	264.78	264.80	210.69
5.	2023-24	–	479.02	119.76	119.76	103.79	166.43
6.	2024-25	15.97	644.54	50.00	65.97	3.46	45.80
Total			5,773.66	799.46	902.37	839.89	919.59
						Source: JJM-IMIS

The Department has developed a web based integrated management information system (JJM-IMIS) to capture the data of water quality affected habitations, where States/UTs provide status of habitation that have contamination in their drinking water sources. States/UTs have also been advised to carry out testing of water quality on a regular basis and take remedial action wherever necessary, to ensure that the water supplied to households is of prescribed quality. To enable States/ UTs to test water samples for water quality, and for sample collection, reporting, monitoring and surveillance of drinking water sources, an online JJM – Water Quality Management Information System (WQMIS) portal has been developed. The State–wise details of water quality test reported through WQMIS are available in public domain and can be accessed at:

https://ejalshakti.gov.in/WQMIS/Main/report

This information was provided by THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR JAL SHAKTI, SHRI V. SOMANNA in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.

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Dhanya Sanal K

Director

(Rajya Sabha US Q1838)

(Release ID: 2111857) Visitor Counter : 57

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

March 18, 2025

MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PARLIAMENT QUESTION: TAP WATER CONNECTION TO RURAL HOUSEHOLDS UNDER JJM

Source: Government of India (2)

Posted On: 17 MAR 2025 4:50PM by PIB Delhi

Government of India is committed to make provision for safe & potable tap water supply in adequate quantity, of prescribed quality and on a regular & long-term basis to all rural households in the country. Towards this end, the Government of India launched the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), to be implemented in partnership with states, in August 2019. Drinking Water is a state subject, and hence, the responsibility of planning, approval, implementation, operation, and maintenance of drinking water supply schemes, including those under the Jal Jeevan Mission, lies with State/UT Governments. The Government of India supports the States by providing technical and financial assistance.

Significant progress has been made in the country since the launch of Jal Jeevan Mission, towards enhancing access to tap water to rural households. At the start of Jal Jeevan Mission in August 2019, only 3.23 Crore (16.71%) rural households were reported to have tap water connections. So far, as reported by States/ UTs as on 12.03.2025, around 12.28 Crore additional rural households have been provided with tap water connections under JJM. Thus, as on 12.03.2025, out of 19.36 Crore rural households in the country, more than 15.52 Crore (80.15%) households are reported to have tap water supply in their homes. The number and percentage of rural households which have been provided tapped potable water connections in the country under Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) are available on JJM-IMIS Dashboard. The link of JJM-IMIS Dashboard is as follows:- https://ejalshakti.gov.in/jjmreport/JJMIndia.aspx

Under the Jal Jeevan Mission’s “Har Ghar Jal” initiative, after a village achieves 100% functional tap water connections, the Gram Panchayat formally certifies the village as “Har Ghar Jal” through a Gram Sabha resolution after verifying the completion of work, and a certificate is issued by the implementing department. State/UTs including Uttar Pradesh have been advised, through numerous review meetings, field visits, etc., to ensure functionality of tap water connections provided and infrastructure created under the Mission.

During the functionality assessment 2021-22 in all rural households in India including State of Uttar Pradesh, it was found that 86% of households had working tap connections. Out of these, 85% were getting water in adequate quantity, 80% were getting water regularly as per the schedule of water supply for their piped water supply scheme, and 87% of households were receiving water as per the prescribed water quality standards. The functionality assessment was carried out in the year 2022. The details may be seen at https://jaljeevanmission.gov.in/functionality-reports.

Further, to ensure long term sustainability of infrastructure created, quality material and quality construction are being ensured through third party inspection before making payment. For the purpose, States have been empowered to empanel third party inspection agencies (TPIA) to check the quality of work executed by the agencies, quality of materials used for construction and quality of machinery installed in each of the scheme. Moreover, measurement and monitoring of water supply in villages through sensor-based IoT solution, linking AADHAR of the head of household for targeted delivery subject to statutory provisions, geo-tagging of assets created, etc. are also provisioned under JJM.

Also, to bring transparency and effective monitoring, an online ‘JJM dashboard & mobile App has been created, which provides State/ UT, district, and village-wise progress as well as status of provision of tap water supply to rural houses.

This information was provided by THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR JAL SHAKTI, SHRI V. SOMANNA in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.

*********

Dhanya Sanal K

Director

(Rajya Sabha US Q1830)

(Release ID: 2111854) Visitor Counter : 59

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

March 18, 2025

MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Inflation and Economic Trends in India

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 16 MAR 2025 6:33PM by PIB Delhi

Inflation and Economic Trends

CPI inflation moderated to a 7-month low of 3.6% in February 2025, aided by a sharp decline in vegetable prices.
Core inflation crossed 4% for the first time in 14 months, reaching 4.08%.
Industrial growth strengthened, with IIP expanding by 5.0% in January 2025, led by manufacturing and mining.
Rural inflation remains higher than urban inflation, influenced by food price trends.
Imported inflation surged, rising from 1.3% in June 2024 to 31.1% in February 2025, driven by rising prices of precious metals, oils, and fats.
RBI expected to implement at least 75 basis points of rate cuts in 2025, with successive reductions anticipated in April and August.
Corporate performance remains strong, with revenue, EBITDA, and PAT growth of 6.2%, 11%, and 12%, respectively, in Q3FY25.

The above are the major findings of the SBI Ecowrap report, published by the State Bank of India’s Economic Research Department. SBI Ecowrap is a research report that analyzes the Indian economy, including GDP growth, agricultural reforms, and formal and informal economies. The latest edition of SBI’s Ecowrap, released on March 12, 2025, provides a detailed analysis of India’s economic landscape in February 2025. It focuses on Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation, industrial growth, imported inflation, and corporate performance. The report highlights a significant moderation in inflation, particularly in food and beverages, while also projecting future trends in monetary policy and industrial output.

CPI Inflation Moderation

India’s CPI inflation fell to a 7-month low of 3.6% in February 2025 due to a substantial decline in food and beverage prices.
Food & Beverages inflation eased by 185 basis points (m-o-m) to 3.84%, mainly due to a sharp decline in vegetable prices.
Vegetable CPI declined sharply, entering negative territory (1.07%) for the first time in 20 months.
Approximately 80% of this decline was attributed to garlic, potatoes, and tomatoes.
A notable drop in garlic prices is potentially linked to dietary changes during the Maha Kumbh, which may have led to reduced consumption of non-vegetarian food.
Fruit inflation surged to a 10-year high of 14.8%, potentially due to increased demand during fasting periods associated with the Maha Kumbh.
Fuel and light deflation is still continued for 18 months.
Non-vegetarian food inflation (Egg/Meat/Fish) decelerated, possibly due to the Maha Kumbh period.
While overall inflation moderated, the core inflation crossed the 4.0% mark after 14 months to 4.08%. Core Inflation corresponds to the component of inflation that is likely to continue for a long period. Thus, core inflation captures the underlying trend of inflation and is, therefore, more stable.

Future CPI Inflation Trends

CPI inflation is expected to decline to 3.9% in Q4 FY25 and average 4.7% for FY25.
FY26 inflation is projected in the range of 4.0-4.2%, while core inflation may range between 4.2-4.4%.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) may implement successive rate cuts in April and August 2025, with an overall expected cumulative rate cut of at least 75 basis points.
The cycle of rate cuts may continue from October 2025, following an intervening gap in August 2025.

State-wise Inflation Analysis

12 states recorded rural inflation above the national rural average.
10 states reported urban inflation higher than the national urban average.
Rural inflation continued to outpace urban inflation due to higher food prices and a larger food basket share (54.2% for rural areas vs. 36.3% for urban areas).
The highest inflation rates were recorded in Kerala (7.3%) and Chhattisgarh (4.9%).

State	Rural Inflation (%)	Urban Inflation (%)	Overall Inflation (%)
Kerala	8.0	4.5	7.3
Chhattisgarh	5.6	3.3	4.9
Goa	6.2	1.5	4.8
Bihar	4.3	4.7	4.5
Karnataka	4.6	3.0	4.5

The lowest inflation rates were recorded in Telangana (1.3%) and Delhi (1.5%).

State	Rural Inflation (%)	Urban Inflation (%)	Overall Inflation (%)
Telangana	0.5	1.3	1.3
Delhi	2.6	3.5	1.5
Goa	6.2	1.5	1.8
Maharashtra	2.2	2.4	3.1
Himachal Pradesh	3.3	4.0	3.3

Rising Share of Imported Inflation

Despite the overall decline in CPI inflation, the share of imported inflation rose from 1.3% in June 2024 to 31.1% in February 2025.
Key drivers include rising prices of precious metals, oils, fats, and chemical products.
The contribution of energy prices to imported inflation remains negative and in declining in absolute amount.

Industrial Growth and IIP Expansion

India’s Index of Industrial Production (IIP) expanded by 5.0% in January 2025, the highest in eight months, compared to 3.2% in December 2024.
The growth was driven by:
- Manufacturing sector: 5.5% growth
- Mining sector: 4.4% growth
- Primary goods: 5.5% growth
- Consumer Durables (long-term consumption goods): 7.2% growth
- Intermediate goods: 5.23% growth
Consumer Non-Durables (immediate consumption goods) contracted by 0.2%, indicating weak demand in that segment.

Sectoral Growth Trends

Capital Goods, Consumer Durables, FMCG, Healthcare, and Pharmaceuticals showed strong year-on-year growth in Q3FY25.
The Interest Coverage Ratio of listed entities improved by 20 basis points in Q3FY25, reflecting improved margins and financial stability.
More than 4000 corporates in the listed space reported revenue growth of 6.2%, with earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) and profit after tax (PAT) growing by 11% and 12%, respectively, in Q3FY25 compared to Q3FY24.
Corporate ex-BFSI (more than 3400 listed entities) reported revenue and PAT growth of 5% (recovering from negative growth in previous quarters) and 9% in Q3FY25, respectively.

Monetary Policy Outlook & Corporate Capex Cycle

The combination of a strong balance sheet, comfortable interest coverage, and a downward interest rate cycle is expected to support the next capex cycle for Indian industries.
Improved corporate margins and liquidity conditions make Indian Inc. well-positioned for capital expenditure growth.
The aggregate EBITDA margin improved by 44 basis points in Q3FY25, reaching 14.84% from 14.4% in Q2FY25.

Conclusion

India’s economic indicators for February 2025 reflect a moderation in inflation, improved industrial output, and strong corporate earnings. While inflation trends remain favorable in the short term, imported inflation risks and rupee depreciation pose challenges going forward. The RBI’s expected rate cuts could further bolster growth, providing a positive environment for capex expansion and industrial performance. The evolving economic landscape suggests a cautious but optimistic outlook for the coming months.

References

https://bank.sbi/documents/13958/43951007/Ecowrap_20250312.pdf/97dd5dd2-b54d-1f0b-eb2b-1167ef1f81b1?t=1741844062565

https://www.indiabudget.gov.in/budget2019-20/economicsurvey/doc/vol2chapter/echap04_vol2.pdf

Click here to see PDF

*****

Santosh Kumar | Ritu Kataria | Rishita Aggarwal

Annexure 1: State-wise Inflation Rates: February 2025

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(Release ID: 2111647) Visitor Counter : 17

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

March 18, 2025

MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: CCI Organises 10th Edition of National Conference on Economics of Competition Law

Source: Government of India

CCI Organises 10th Edition of National Conference on Economics of Competition Law

Minister of State, Shri Harsh Malhotra compliments CCI for its impactful role in curbing abusive conduct of dominant enterprises

Posted On: 16 MAR 2025 5:43PM by PIB Delhi

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) organised the 10^thNational Conference on Economics of Competition Law in New Delhi today. Shri Harsh Malhotra, Minister of State in the Ministry of Corporate Affairs; and Minister of State in the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways was the Keynote Speaker at the Conference. Smt Ravneet Kaur, Chairperson, Competition Commission of India delivered the Special Address at the Inaugural Session of the Conference. The Conference, which brings together scholars, practitioners, and experts working in the area of economics of competition law, is being organised by the CCI every year since 2016.

In his Keynote Address, highlighting the high-growth trajectory of the Indian economy, Minister of State Shri Harsh Malhotra underscored the importance of competition law in ensuring fair competition and a level playing field in markets.

He emphasized the crucial role of the MSME sector, which contributes 80% of manufacturing output, 45% of exports, and 30% of India’s GDP. It is important to watch the interest of stakeholders, including MSMEs, to provide them with fair opportunities to compete and innovate, he said. In this context, he complimented CCI for its impactful role in curbing abusive conduct of dominant enterprises.

Commending the Commission for its well-considered decisions, he highlighted the need for real-time market monitoring and a collaborative approach to regulation. It is essential to enforce law beyond strict intervention by promoting self-regulation and compliance, he added. He encouraged the Commission to actively engage with stakeholders, including industry associations, and consider their viewpoints. He stressed on the importance of including the younger generation in deliberations to bring fresh and new perspectives. The Government has kept in mind the views of the stakeholders, be it policies, government schemes or regulations, he mentioned. Acknowledging the significance of the Conference, he said that such deliberations and brainstorming sessions would immensely contribute to India’s economic growth in the future.

The Minister stated that the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) aims to foster an ecosystem where fair competition benefits both businesses and consumers, leading to dynamic and vibrant marketplaces. He concluded by stating that India’s economic future depends on market strength, which, in turn, relies on fair competition—making it not just a legal or economic necessity but a national responsibility.

Smt. Ravneet Kaur, Chairperson, CCI, in her Special Address, stated that regulators are adopting a dynamic approach to address the issues emerging in increasingly complex markets and rapid innovation in technology. She said that the goal is to balance innovation with competition, ensuring fair and open markets, where competition and technological progress can coexist. Alluding to Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a driving force in modern markets, Smt. Kaur stressed on the need for regulators to stay abreast and ahead in the AI era to deal with algorithmic collusion, uncover hidden anti-competitive behaviour, and protect consumers in markets increasingly shaped by AI. In this context, she also discussed the role played by Market Studies as a critical tool in proactive regulation. These studies provide a comprehensive analysis of market structures, business models, arrangements amongst players and potential competition issues, she said.

Referring to the competition law enforcement regime in India, Smt. Kaur said that the regulatory landscape has evolved significantly with the introduction of the Competition Amendment Act, 2023, to address the emerging challenges and strike a balance between enforcement and market-friendly resolution. She talked about the various regulations introduced in the last one year to operationalise the Competition Amendment Act 2023, with extensive consultations involving all key stakeholders. She further apprised the developments in antitrust enforcement and merger enforcement in 2024. The Competition Commission of India remains committed to fostering fair competition, ensuring market integrity, and enhancing enforcement efficiency, she said.

The Conference, in addition to the Inaugural Session, featured two technical sessions on ‘Digital Dynamics: Markets, Competition & Innovation’; and ‘Exploring Mergers: Structure, Competition and Synergy’ where researchers presented papers on economics of competition law. The first session was chaired by Dr. Nishant Chadha, Director, Policy and Research, Indian School of Business. Dr. Uday Bhanu Sinha, Professor, Delhi School of Economics chaired the second session.

The National Conference concluded with a Plenary Session on ‘Settlement and Commitment: A New Era of Trust-Based Fast-Track Market Correction’ which was moderated by Shri Prasanto Kumar Roy, Senior Adviser, FTI Consulting.

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NB/AD

(Release ID: 2111638) Visitor Counter : 34

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

March 18, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: African Petroleum Producers’ Organization (APPO) Congo Energy & Investment Forum (CEIF) 2025 Side Event to Unpack Africa’s Oil and Gas Potential, Highlight Innovative Financing Solutions

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

BRAZZAVILLE, Congo (Republic of the), March 17, 2025/APO Group/ —

Taking place on the sidelines of the inaugural Congo Energy & Investment Forum (https://apo-opa.co/3RbNYDB) this month the African Petroleum Producers’ Organization (APPO) will host a side event focusing on the challenges of the energy transition in Africa on March 26. The global pursuit to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 is getting closer with each year, with new technologies, regulatory policies, funding opportunities and legislation set to expedite the transition from hydrocarbons to renewable energy resources. However, a just energy transition for Africa requires allowing the continent to utilize its natural resources to move towards cleaner sources of energy.

As such, the African Energy Bank: Energy Transition and Financing Optics for Oil and gas Industry in Africa side event will shine a light on the role of the African Energy Bank (AEB) (https://apo-opa.co/3DMaNLa) in addressing the funding challenge that the energy transition poses to the African oil and gas industry. Launched by the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) in partnership with APPO, the AEB – set to commence operations in March 2025 – represents a bold step towards empowering African nations to take control of their energy future.

The inaugural Congo Energy & Investment Forum, set for March 24-26, 2025, in Brazzaville, under the patronage of President Denis Sassou Nguesso and supported by the Ministry of Hydrocarbons and Société Nationale des Pétroles du Congo, will bring together international investors and local stakeholders to explore national and regional energy and infrastructure opportunities. The event will explore the latest gas-to-power projects and provide updates on ongoing expansions across the country.

By mobilizing significant investment and fostering energy independence, the AEB will play a pivotal role in bridging the financing gap, unlocking the full potential of Africa’s energy resources and driving industrial and economic growth across the continent. The AEB’s strategic partnerships with government’s, financial institutions and energy stakeholders will enable large-scale investments in renewables and traditional energy projects, supporting the continent’s transition to cleaner energy sources while addressing immediate energy access needs.

With the participation of Bruno Jean-Richad Itoua, Minister of Hydrocarbons of the Republic of Congo and President of APPO, as well as Dr. Omar Farouk Ibrahim, Secretary General of APPO, the side event is set to showcase how African countries can capitalize on development across the entire energy value chain, create jobs and ensure ownership and control, independent of global pressure that doesn’t understand the intricacies of energy poverty across the continent.

The AEB has been established with an initial $5 billion authorized capital – of which 45% has been secured –, serving as a crucial step in mobilizing investment for energy projects. The bank aims for an ambitious $120 billion asset base, with Nigeria having secured the hosting rights for the bank last year after competing against three other nations.

“APPO’s side event at the inaugural CEIF 2025 represents a pivotal moment in Africa’s journey towards a sustainable and inclusive energy future. By addressing the critical funding challenges of the energy transition, APPO’s initiative aims to empower African nations to harness their natural resources, drive industrial growth and create energy solutions that are both sustainable and accessible. The global energy transition is not only about transitioning to cleaner energy – it’s about ensuring that Africa has the financial tools and strategic partnerships to take control of its energy future and secure a just transition for all its people,” states Sandra Jeque, Events and Project Director at Energy Capital & Power.

MIL OSI Africa –

March 18, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Cantwell Statement on Voting Against GOP’s Continuing Resolution Bill

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Washington Maria Cantwell

03.14.25

Cantwell Statement on Voting Against GOP’s Continuing Resolution Bill

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the Senate voted on a Continuing Resolution (CR) bill written by House Republicans that would fund the government through Sept. 30, while making cuts to important programs and ceding more authority over federal spending to the Trump Administration.

U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and senior member of the Senate Finance Committee, voted against the CR. She gave the following statement:

“I am not going to vote for a partisan funding bill that makes deep cuts to essential government functions. This bill endangers the health of Americans by cutting $280 million from the National Institutes of Health; jeopardizes the state of Washington’s maritime economy by slashing the Army Corps of Engineers by 44 percent; and impacts our farmers by cutting $57 million from important USDA’s Agriculture Research Services account. A bipartisan congressional effort to finish all appropriations bills would have delivered better results for taxpayers.

Congress has the authority and responsibility to direct federal spending based on the needs of their constituents. Turning that work over to the White House puts important programs like NOAA experts working on salmon recovery or creating weather forecasts at risk.”

MIL OSI USA News –

March 18, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Gillibrand Statement On Continuing Resolution To Fund The Government

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for New York Kirsten Gillibrand

Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand released the following statement after her vote to advance the continuing resolution to fund the government through September 30, 2025:

“President Trump and Elon Musk directed House Republicans to pass a partisan spending bill without any Democratic input. To be clear, I oppose the policies in this bill.

The question is: do we pass a partisan bill that harms Americans but keeps the government and courts functioning? Or do we shut down government operations indefinitely, disrupting critical services that everyday people depend on, and in the process give even greater power to President Trump and Elon Musk, who have shown a lust for firing workers and dismantling government? I believe that handing President Trump this kind of unchecked power would cause even more harm to my constituents.

Our economy is already in a tailspin due to President Trump’s reckless trade war and general instability, and a shutdown harms innocent families, children and seniors. We will fight against Republicans’ upcoming tax scam, which will slash Medicaid and other important programs in order to give tax cuts to billionaires.”

MIL OSI USA News –

March 18, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Cortez Masto Statement on Vote to Avert Devastating Shutdown

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Nevada Cortez Masto

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) released the following statement announcing she will vote to avert a government shutdown.

“A government shutdown would be devastating for the American people. It would force tens of thousands of Nevada military personnel, union members, law enforcement agents and nurses to work without pay. Shutting down the government gives President Trump and Elon Musk even more power to cherry-pick who is an essential employee, who they want to fire, and what agencies they want to shutter. And a shutdown would force federal courts to slow work on lawsuits against this administration’s illegal actions. The last government shutdown cost the American economy $11 billion and thousands of hardworking Americans were harmed. I cannot vote for that.

“This was not an easy decision. I’m outraged by the reckless actions of President Trump, Elon Musk, and Republicans in control of Congress, so I refuse to hand them a shutdown where they would have free reign to cause more chaos and harm. I’m focused on ensuring our veterans, seniors, and working families get their benefits and opposing Republicans’ billionaire tax cut that is going to gut Medicaid. And I’m focused on supporting the lawsuits that are already reinstating illegally fired federal workers.”

MIL OSI USA News –

March 18, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Senator Hassan Statement on Dangers of a Government Shutdown

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Maggie Hassan

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan (D-NH) released the following statement today after voting to close debate on a government funding measure in order to allow a vote to keep the federal government open:

“There were no good options in the Senate today. The choice today was between a federal government shutdown that would hurt Granite Staters and Americans, especially our most vulnerable neighbors, or a partisan government funding bill. I have concluded that allowing the federal government to shut down with this President in charge is too dangerous to risk.

“A federal government shutdown would allow President Trump and Elon Musk to deepen their unilateral attacks on our system of government and the critical services it delivers to our friends and neighbors. President Trump and Elon Musk, who have already taken delight in making our government more chaotic and corrupt, would revel in a federal government shutdown. They would decide which programs to keep running and which employees to furlough or fire altogether, and they would do all this with even fewer checks and balances in place than there are now, because a shutdown would weaken our federal court system. It is unclear when the federal government would fully reopen, but it is clear that countless innocent people would be hurt, and our safety and economy would be weakened.

“Because I believe that Elon Musk and President Trump would cause even more harm to Granite Staters and Americans during a federal government shutdown than they currently are, and because keeping the federal government functioning would provide support to the people who need it most, I voted today to close debate and allow for a vote to keep the federal government open.”

MIL OSI USA News –

March 18, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Statement of U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine on the Continuing Resolution

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Commonwealth of Virginia Mark R Warner

WASHINGTON – U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) issued the following statement:

“While the government will remain open, we are frustrated that this funding bill gives a blank check to Donald Trump and Elon Musk to continue attacking the federal workforce and dismantling the services Virginians rely on. This bill lacks the meaningful proposals we offered as amendments to rein in and defund DOGE and protect our veterans from being indiscriminately fired – because Republicans blocked them all. As Donald Trump and Elon Musk continue to seek giant tax cuts for billionaires while laying off workers, slashing services, and tanking our economy, we will keep standing up for everyday Virginians, who have had enough of this chaos and lawlessness. That means we are already gearing up for our next fight: forcing a Senate vote on our legislation to challenge Trump’s senseless trade war with Canada, which will only raise costs for Virginians.”

MIL OSI USA News –

March 18, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Cassidy, President Trump’s CMS Nominee Agree on Need to Stop Medicare Overpayments

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Louisiana Bill Cassidy

[embedded content]

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) discusses his plan to stop Medicare overpayments during U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Director nominee Mehmet Oz’s confirmation hearing before the U.S. Senate Finance Committee. Dr. Oz said he agrees with Cassidy there are opportunities to stop Medicare Advantage plans from receiving higher Medicare reimbursements simply if a patient has multiple conditions regardless of whether they are related to the care they receive.
“[A]s we look at the [Medicare] trust fund going insolvent and our budget deficit expanding, is [Medicare Advantage] a place you would look? And if so, how would you look in terms of getting better value for the dollar?” asks Dr. Cassidy.
“I think there are ways for us to look for example at the upcoding that is going on that is happening systemically… to make sure people are being appropriately paid for taking care of sick patience, but not for patients who aren’t ill,” said Dr. Oz. “We actually have to go after places and areas where we are not managing the American people’s money well… both of us, I think, agree there are opportunities to do that.”
“I have a bill—the No UPCODE Act—that actually achieves that. So, I think you are going to be confirmed, and we will discuss that with you at a later date,” said Dr. Cassidy.
Last Congress, Cassidy introduced his No UPCODE Act to improve the way Medicare Advantage plans assess patients’ health risks, reduce overpayments for care, and save taxpayers billions by eliminating incentives to overcharge Medicare for care.
Background:
Traditional Medicare plans reimburse providers for the cost of treatments rendered, while Medicare Advantage is paid a standard rate based on the health of an individual patient. Because of this, Medicare Advantage plans have a financial incentive to make beneficiaries appear sicker than they may be to receive a higher Medicare reimbursement.
The No UPCODE Act would eliminate those incentives by:

Developing a risk-adjustment model that uses two years of diagnostic data instead of just one year.
Limiting the ability to use old or unrelated medical conditions when determining the cost of care.
Ensuring Medicare is only charged for treatment related to relevant medical conditions.
Closing the gap between how a patient is assessed under traditional Medicare and Medicare Advantage.

MIL OSI USA News –

March 18, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: The 5th meeting of the Joint Russian-Qatari Commission on Trade, Economic and Technical Cooperation was held in Doha

Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Denis Manturov and the Chairman of the Council of Ministers, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Qatar Mohammed bin Abdul Rahman bin Jassim Al Thani held the 5th meeting of the Joint Russian-Qatari Commission on Trade, Economic and Technical Cooperation.

First Deputy Prime Minister of Russia Denis Manturov and Chairman of the Council of Ministers, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Qatar Mohammed bin Abdul Rahman bin Jassim Al Thani held the 5th meeting of the Joint Russian-Qatari Commission on Trade, Economic and Technical Cooperation.

During the meeting, the parties discussed issues of bilateral cooperation in the areas of trade, investment and finance, transport and digital technologies, as well as humanitarian projects, including culture, sports and education. Particular attention was paid to industrial cooperation in such sectors as pharmaceuticals, shipbuilding, power engineering, including in the field of renewable energy.

Denis Manturov noted that given the scale of foreign trade between Russia and Qatar, the volume of bilateral trade does not fully reflect the existing potential. Opportunities for increasing and diversifying mutual trade, in particular, are associated with food supplies.

“Cereals, primarily wheat and barley, already predominate in the structure of our trade turnover. We are ready to increase shipments of agricultural products, including halal products. Having in mind not only ensuring food security for Qatar, but also creating a regional agro-industrial hub in your country. Among the promising export products, we can also highlight beef, poultry, sunflower oil and confectionery,” said the First Deputy Prime Minister.

Speaking about mutually beneficial projects in the pharmaceutical sector, Denis Manturov noted that in addition to supplying a wide range of medicines, Russia is considering localizing production in Qatar with the transfer of relevant technologies. In addition, opportunities for cooperation are opened up by domestic advanced developments in the field of shipbuilding, in particular, this concerns passenger hydrofoils and environmentally friendly silent electric vessels, which are successfully operated in Russia.

“Interaction in the field of digital technologies contains a capacious potential. Russian companies have unique developments in the field of artificial intelligence, the Internet of things and solutions in the field of information security. I would like to highlight the opportunities for cooperation between Moscow and Doha in such a relevant area as smart city technologies,” Denis Manturov noted.

A positive trend in the development of cooperation in the field of tourism was noted. “Last year, more than 100 thousand Russian citizens visited Qatar. Reciprocal interest from Qatari citizens is also increasing – in 2024, we received about 11 thousand tourists from your country. This is understandable, since Russia combines unique natural, climatic, cultural and historical features with a dynamically growing level of the hospitality industry and security,” said Denis Manturov.

Speaking about cooperation in the field of sports, the First Deputy Prime Minister recalled that in November last year, Doha hosted the international rhythmic gymnastics competition “Heavenly Grace Cup”, organized on the initiative of Olympic champion Alina Kabaeva. The interdepartmental Memorandum of Understanding in the field of physical culture and sports, the signing of which is planned for the near future, will contribute to strengthening cooperation.

In conclusion of his speech, Denis Manturov invited Qatari representatives to take part in the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum scheduled for June, where the country was a guest in 2021, in the Russia-Islamic World International Economic Forum to be held in Kazan in May, the Innoprom International Industrial Exhibition in Yekaterinburg in July, and the Russian Energy Week in Moscow in October. In addition, during the IGC, the Russian side voiced a proposal to hold a Russian-Qatari business forum in Moscow in April 2025.

Following the meeting, the final protocol of the 5th meeting of the commission was signed.

Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

MIL OSI Russia News –

March 18, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PARLIAMENT QUESTION: SUPPLY OF DRINKING WATER IN STATES

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 17 MAR 2025 4:49PM by PIB Delhi

Government of India is committed to make provision for safe & potable tap water supply in adequate quantity, of prescribed quality and on a regular & long-term basis to all rural households in the country. Towards this end, the Government of India launched the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), to be implemented in partnership with states, in August 2019. Drinking Water is a state subject, and hence, the responsibility of planning, approval, implementation, operation, and maintenance of drinking water supply schemes, including those under the Jal Jeevan Mission, lies with State/UT Governments. The Government of India supports the States by providing technical and financial assistance.

Under JJM, the minimum service delivery has been fixed as 55 lpcd and State/UTs including the states of the North East may enhance the same to higher level depending on availability of drinking water sources. Significant progress has been made in the country since the launch of Jal Jeevan Mission, towards enhancing access to tap water to rural households. At the start of Jal Jeevan Mission in August 2019, only 3.23 Crore (16.71%) rural households were reported to have tap water connections. So far, as reported by States/ UTs as on 12.03.2025, around 12.28 Crore additional rural households have been provided with tap water connections under JJM. Thus, as on 12.03.2025, out of 19.36 Crore rural households in the country, more than 15.52 Crore (80.15%) households are reported to have tap water supply in their homes. The details including States of the North East (State of Sikkim also) are available on JJM-IMIS Dashboard. The link of JJM-IMIS Dashboard is as follows:- https://ejalshakti.gov.in/jjmreport/JJMIndia.aspx

As informed by the State of Sikkim, all the habitations, excluding few habitations in the dry belt area of Namchi and Pakyong District, are getting adequate drinking water in the state even during the lean season.

The reason for the shortage of drinking water in the dry belt areas during the lean season is drying up of local sources. The State of Sikkim has plan to take up source sustainability measures such as dhara Vikash in these areas. Further, rain water harvesting is also being encouraged in these areas.

Water being a State subject, steps for augmentation, conservation and efficient management of water resources, including rural drinking water supply, are primarily undertaken by the respective State Governments. To supplement the efforts of the States for rural water supply, Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), a centrally sponsored scheme, is being implemented in partnership with States, since August, 2019 for provisioning of potable tap water supply to every rural household in the country.

Water Resources Projects are planned, funded, executed, and maintained by the State Governments themselves as per their own resources and priority. However, to supplement their efforts, Government of India provides technical and financial assistance to State Governments to encourage sustainable development and efficient management of water resources through various schemes and programmes.

Apart from continuous efforts for rejuvenation of natural sources of water through campaigns such as the Jal Shakti Abhiyaan (JSA) was launched in the year 2019 and carried out subsequently in 2021-2024 too and the Atal Bhujal Yojana etc., storage capacities for water are augmented through construction of reservoirs. Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain 2023, 4th in the series of JSA’s theme was ” Source Sustainability for Drinking Water”. The theme of Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain – 2024 was “Nari Shakti se Jal Shakti” emphasising the pivotal role played by women in the field of water conservation.

This information was provided by THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR JAL SHAKTI, SHRI V. SOMANNA in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.

******

Dhanya Sanal K

Director

(Rajya Sabha US Q1834)

(Release ID: 2111852) Visitor Counter : 13

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

March 18, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PARLIAMENT QUESTION: TRAINING ON OPERATION AND MANAGEMENT OF RURAL WATER

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 17 MAR 2025 4:48PM by PIB Delhi

A course titled “Operation & Management of Rural Water Supply Schemes” was organized in Andaman & Nicobar Islands, aimed to enhance the operational and managerial capacities of Junior Engineers (JEs) and Assistant Engineers (AEs) of the Andaman & Nicobar administration in managing water supply schemes effectively. Recognizing the challenges faced due to poor Operation and Maintenance (O&M) practices, key objectives of the training courses included developing technical skills essential for managing water supply system efficiently, strengthening managerial capacities, promote community engagement, improving sustainable water management, improved water quality standards and testing, improved service delivery for consumers, etc.

The capacity building of stakeholders including Engineers in States/ UTs, plays an important role to implement the vision of Jal Jeevan Mission. It helps in leadership development and equipping the stakeholders with required technical and interpersonal skills including knowledge about latest technologies and innovations. This Department provides financial assistance to States/ UTs out of which States/ UTs may use up to 5% of resources, for support activities including capacity building and IEC activities. The States/ UTs can customize and organize the training courses as per their requirements.

Water being a State subject, the responsibility of planning, approval, implementation, operation, and maintenance of drinking water supply schemes, lies with State/ UT Governments. States have been advised for source recharging, viz. dedicated bore well recharge structures, rainwater recharge, rejuvenation of existing water bodies, reuse of greywater, etc., to ensure adequate water availability for rural water supply schemes. In addition, Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain (JSA: CTR) campaign is being implemented aiming to encourage water conservation at grass-root levels with people’s participation.

This information was provided by THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR JAL SHAKTI, SHRI V. SOMANNA in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.

***

Dhanya Sanal K

Director

(Rajya Sabha US Q1837)

(Release ID: 2111849) Visitor Counter : 18

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

March 18, 2025

MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PARLIAMENT QUESTION: TARGET OF WORKS AND COMPLAINTS RECEIVED UNDER JJM

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 17 MAR 2025 4:48PM by PIB Delhi

To make provision of tap water supply to every rural household across the country, Government of India in partnership with States, is implementing Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) – Har Ghar Jal since August, 2019.

At the start the Mission, only 3.23 Crore (16.7%) rural households were reported to have tap water connections. So far, as reported by States/ UTs as on 12.03.2025, under Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) – Har Ghar Jal around 12.29 Crore additional rural households have been provided with tap water connections. Thus, as on 12.03.2025, out of 19.36 Crore rural households in the country, more than 15.52 Crore (80.15%) households are reported to have tap water supply in their homes and works for the remaining 3.84 Crore households are at various stages of completion as per saturation plan of the respective State/ UT. State/ UT-wise details are as at below. Further, Hon’ble Finance Minister during her budget speech 2025- 26 has announced extension of Jal Jeevan Mission until 2028 with an enhanced total outlay.

States have informed that lack of dependable drinking water sources in water-stressed, drought prone and desert areas, presence of geo-genic contaminants in ground water, uneven geographical terrain, scattered rural habitations, delay in release of the matching State share in some States, lack of technical capacity with implementing agencies, Gram Panchayats and local communities to plan, manage, operate & maintain the water supply schemes, rising price of raw materials, delay in obtaining statutory/ other clearances, etc. are few of problems being faced in the implementation of the Mission.

To address the challenges holistically and overcome these, Government of India has taken a number of steps, inter alia including implementation of Special Assistance to States for Capital Expenditure through M/o Finance for financial assistance as 50-year interest free loan for capital investment projects; nomination of a nodal officer in the Department for coordinating with Central nodal Ministries/ Departments/ agencies to facilitate the States in obtaining Statutory/ other clearances; setting up of State Programme Management Units (SPMUs) and District Programme Management Units (DPMUs) and implementation of “Nal Jal Mitra Programme” for ensuring availability of skilled local persons at village level to bridge the gap in availability of technical skill sets and of HR for programme management;

Under the Mission, States have been advised for source recharging, viz. dedicated bore well recharge structures, rainwater recharge, rejuvenation of existing water bodies, reuse of greywater, etc., in convergence with other schemes such as MGNREGS, Integrated Watershed Management Programme (IWMP), 15th Finance Commission tied grants to RLBs/ PRIs, State schemes, CSR funds, etc.

Further, Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain (JSA: CTR) campaign aiming to encourage water conservation at grass-root levels with people’s participation was launched in 2019 in 256 water stressed districts of the country. Morever, recognizing the importance of sustainable water management especially for drinking water availability, JSA-CTR was implemented with the theme “Source Sustainability for Drinking Water” in 2023. Similarly, in 2024, JSA is being implemented with the theme “Nari Shakti se Jal Shakti” from 09.03.2024 to 30.11.2024 emphasizing the pivotal role played by women in the field of water conservation.

Water being a State subject, States have been empowered to plan, design, approve, implement and operate & maintain drinking water supply schemes. Complaints/ Grievances received at Centre level through Centralized Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS – https://pgportal.gov.in/) and Department’s website (https://jalshakti-ddws.gov.in/) and other physical mediums are transferred to water supply department of respective State Governments for their timely redressal.

This information was provided by THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR JAL SHAKTI, SHRI V. SOMANNA in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.

Annex referred to in part (a) & (b) reply to Rajya Sabha unstarred Question No. 1831 answered on 17.03.2025

JJM: State/ UT-wise status of tap water connections in rural households as on 12.03.2025

(Number in lakhs)

S. No.	State/ UT	Total rural HHs	Rural HHs with tap water supply as on 15.8.2019		Rural HHs with tap water connection as on date		Rural HHs yet to be provided with tap water connection
S. No.	State/ UT	Total rural HHs	No.	%	No.	%	No.	%
1.	A & N Islands	0.62	0.29	46.02	0.62	100.00	–	–
2.	Arunachal Pr.	2.29	0.23	9.97	2.29	100.00	–	–
3.	DNH & DD	0.85	0.00	0.00	0.85	100.00	–	–
4.	Goa	2.64	1.99	75.44	2.64	100.00	–	–
5.	Gujarat	91.18	65.16	71.46	91.18	100.00	–	–
6.	Haryana	30.41	17.66	58.08	30.41	100.00	–	–
7.	Himachal Pr.	17.09	7.63	44.64	17.09	100.00	–	–
8.	Mizoram	1.33	0.09	6.91	1.33	100.00	–	–
9.	Puducherry	1.15	0.94	81.33	1.15	100.00	–	–
10.	Punjab	34.27	16.79	48.98	34.27	100.00	–	–
11.	Telangana	53.98	15.68	29.05	53.98	100.00	–	–
13.	Uttarakhand	14.50	1.30	8.99	14.12	97.38	0.38	2.62
14.	Ladakh	0.41	0.01	3.48	0.39	96.54	0.01	3.46
12.	Bihar	167.55	3.16	1.89	160.36	95.71	7.19	4.29
15.	Nagaland	3.64	0.14	3.82	3.37	92.76	0.26	7.24
16.	Lakshadweep	0.13		0.00	0.12	91.41	0.01	8.59
17.	Sikkim	1.33	0.70	52.96	1.21	91.00	0.12	9.00
18.	Maharashtra	146.80	48.44	33.00	130.36	88.80	16.44	11.20
20.	Uttar Pr.	267.22	5.16	1.93	236.78	88.61	30.44	11.39
19.	Tamil Nadu	125.28	21.76	17.37	110.85	88.48	14.43	11.52
21.	Tripura	7.51	0.25	3.26	6.40	85.30	1.10	14.70
27.	Karnataka	101.32	24.51	24.19	84.92	83.81	16.40	16.19
24.	Meghalaya	6.51	0.05	0.70	5.33	81.92	1.18	18.08
23.	Assam	72.25	1.11	1.54	58.84	81.44	13.41	18.56
22.	J & K	19.22	5.75	29.93	15.59	81.12	3.63	18.88
26.	Chhattisgarh	50.02	3.20	6.39	40.33	80.63	9.69	19.37
25.	Manipur	4.52	0.26	5.74	3.59	79.59	0.92	20.41
28.	Odisha	88.69	3.11	3.50	67.89	76.54	20.81	23.46
29.	Andhra Pr.	95.53	30.74	32.18	70.51	73.81	25.02	26.19
30.	Madhya Pr.	111.82	13.53	12.10	76.13	68.09	35.68	31.91
33.	Rajasthan	107.75	11.74	10.90	60.11	55.79	47.64	44.21
34.	West Bengal	175.56	2.15	1.22	96.43	54.93	79.13	45.07
31.	Jharkhand	62.56	3.45	5.52	34.25	54.75	28.31	45.25
32.	Kerala	70.77	16.64	23.51	38.48	54.38	32.29	45.62
	Total	19,36.70	3,23.63	16.71	15,52.19	80.15	3,84.51	19.85

Source: JJM – IMIS HH: Households

****

Dhanya Sanal K

Director

(Rajya Sabha US Q1831)

(Release ID: 2111850) Visitor Counter : 21

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

March 18, 2025

MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Efforts to make ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047

Source: Government of India (2)

Posted On: 17 MAR 2025 3:13PM by PIB Delhi

The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), Government of India has taken several initiatives in the field of official statistical system, towards ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047. As part of the initiative towards strengthening the National Statistical System, the Ministry has taken various reforms to ensure timely availability of quality data on various facets of economy for data driven decision making, which inter-alia include, improving data collection, data processing, data dissemination and data infrastructure. Some of the initiatives are as under:

(i) To assess the development and to support evidence based interventions on socio-economic fronts, MoSPI has conducted sample surveys on various socio-economic subjects such as health, education, labour & employment etc., on all-India basis, both at the national and State/UT level.

(ii) To reduce time lag, MoSPI is using Digital platforms, with in-built validation mechanism in sample surveys for data collection.

(iii) Estimates of key macroeconomic indicators, such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP), Consumer Price Index (CPI), Index of Industrial Production (IIP) are released as per Advance Release Calendar (ARC) with minimum time lag.

(iv) In order to facilitate ease of Data management for Official Statistics, eSankhyiki portal was launched. This portal provides time series data of important macro indicators and a catalogue of major data assets of the Ministry.

(v) Grant in Aid were provided to States/UTs under the ongoing central sector sub-scheme Support for Statistical Strengthening (SSS) to strengthen the statistical capacity and operations of state statistical system.

This information was given by Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Planning, and Minister of State in the Ministry of Culture, Rao Inderjit Singh in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.

*****

Samrat/Allen

(Release ID: 2111772) Visitor Counter : 54

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

March 18, 2025

MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Surveys conducted by Government

Source: Government of India (2)

1	Household Consumer Expenditure Survey	January, 2004 – June, 2004	Report No. 505: Household Consumer Expenditure in India
2	Employment and Unemployment Survey	January, 2004 – June, 2004	Report No. 506: Employment and Unemployment Situation in India
3	Survey on Morbidity and Health care	January, 2004 – June, 2004	Report No. 507: Morbidity, Health Care and the Condition of the Aged
4	Household Consumer Expenditure Survey	July, 2004 – June, 2005	Report No. 508: Level and Pattern of Consumer Expenditure, 2004-05 Report No. 509: Household Consumption of Various Goods and Services in India, 2004-05 Report No. 510: Public Distribution System and Other Sources of Household Consumption, 2004-05 Report No. 511: Energy Sources of Indian Households for Cooking and Lighting, 2004-05 Report No. 512: Perceived Adequacy of Food Consumption in Indian Households 2004-2005 Report No. 513: Nutritional Intake in India 2004-2005 Report No. 514: Household Consumer Expenditure Among Socio-Economic Groups: 2004 – 2005
5	Employment and Unemployment Survey	July, 2004 – June, 2005	Report No. 515: Employment and Unemployment Situation in India 2004-05 Report No. 516: Employment and Unemployment Situation Among Social Groups in India 2004-05 Report No. 517: Status of Education and Vocational Training in India 2004-05 Report No. 518: Participation of Women in Specified Activities along with Domestic Duties 2004-2005 Report No. 519: Informal Sector and Conditions of Employment in India 2004-05 Report No. 520: Employment and Unemployment Situation in Cities and Towns in India Report No. 521: Employment and Unemployment Situation among Major Religious Groups in India
6	Employment & Unemployment	July 2005 – June 2006	Report No. 522: Employment and Unemployment Situation in India
7	Consumer Expenditure	July 2005 – June 2006	Report No. 523: Household Consumer Expenditure in India, 2005-06
8	Household Consumer Expenditure	July 2006 – June 2007	Report No. 527: Household Consumer Expenditure in India, 2006-07
9	Household Consumer Expenditure	July 2007 – June 2008	Report No. 530: Household Consumer Expenditure in India
10	Employment & Unemployment and Migration Particulars	July 2007 – June 2008	Report No. 531: Employment and Unemployment Situation in India, 2007-08 Report No. 533: Migration in India, 2007-2008
11	Participation and Expenditure on Education	July 2007 – June 2008	Report No. 532: Education in India: 2007-08 Participation Expenditure
12	Particulars of Slum	July 2008 – June 2009	Report No. 534: Some Characteristics of Urban Slums, 2008-09
13	Housing Condition	July 2008 – June 2009	Report No. 535: Housing Condition and Amenities in India, 2008-09
14	Domestic Tourism	July 2008 – June 2009	Report No. 536: Domestic Tourism in India, 2008-09
15	Employment and Unemployment	July 2009 – June 2010	KI(66/10): Key Indicators of Employment and Unemployment in India, 2009-10 Report No. 537: Employment and Unemployment Situation in India, 2009-10 Report No. 539: Informal Sector and Conditions of Employment in India Report No. 543: Employment and Unemployment situation among Social Groups in India Report No. 548: Home-based Workers in India Report No. 550: Participation of Women in Specified Activities along with Domestic Duties, 2009-10 Report No. 551: Status of Education and Vocational Training in India Report No. 552: Employment and Unemployment situation among Major Religious Groups in India Report No. 553: Employment and Unemployment situation in cities and towns in India
16	Household Consumer Expenditure	July 2009 – June 2010	KI (66/1.0): Key Indicators of Household Consumer Expenditure India, 2009-10 Report No. 538: Level and Pattern of Consumer Expenditure Report No. 540: Nutritional Intake in India Report No. 541: Household Consumption of Various Goods and Services in India Report No. 542: Energy Sources of Indian Households for Cooking and Lighting Report No. 544: Household Consumer Expenditure across Socio-Economic Groups Report No. 545: Public Distribution System and Other Sources of Household Consumption Report No. 547: Perceived Adequacy of Food Consumption in Indian Households
17	Consumer Expenditure	July 2011 – June 2012	KI (68/1.0): Key Indicator of Household Consumer Expenditure in India Report No. 555: Level and Pattern of Consumer Expenditure, 2011-12 Report No. 558: Household Consumption of Various Goods and Services in India, 2011-12 Report No. 560: Nutritional Intake in India, 2011-12 Report No. 562: Household Consumer Expenditure across Socio- Economic Groups, 2011-12 Report No. 565: Public Distribution System and Other Sources of Household Consumption, 2011-12 Report No. 567: Energy Sources of Indian Households for Cooking & Lighting, 2011-12
18	Employment and Unemployment	July 2011 – June 2012	KI (68/10): Key Indicator of Employment and Unemployment in India, 2011-12 Report No. 554: Employment & Unemployment Situation in India, 2011-12 Report No. 557: Informal Sector and Conditions of Employment in India Report No. 559: Participation of Women in Specified Activities along with Domestic Duties Report No. 563: Employment and Unemployment situation among Social Groups in India Report No. 654: Employment and Unemployment situation Towns in India Report No. 566: Status of Education and Vocational Training in India
19	Drinking Water, Sanitation, Hygiene and Housing Condition	July 2012 – December 2012	KI (69/1.2): Key Results of Survey on Drinking Water, Sanitation, Hygiene and Housing Condition in India Report No. 556: Drinking Water, Sanitation, Hygiene and Housing Condition in India
20	Particulars of Slums	July 2012 – December 2012	KI (69/0.21): Key Indicators on Urban Slums in India Report No. 561: Urban Slums in India, 2012
21	Land and Livestock Holdings	January 2013 – December, 2013	KI (70/18.1): Key Indicators of Land and Livestock Holdings in India Report No. 571: Household Ownership and Operational Holdings in India Report No. 572: Livestock Ownership in India
22	All India Debt and Investment	January 2013 – December, 2013	KI (70/18.2): Key Indicators of Debt and Investment in India Report No. 570: Household Assets and Liabilities Report No. 577: Household Indebtedness in India Report No. 578: Household Assets and Indebtedness among Social Groups Report No. 579: Household Capital Expenditure in India
23	Situation Assessment of Agricultural Households	January 2013 – December, 2013	KI (70/33): Key Indicators of Situation of Agricultural Households in India Report No. 569: Some Characteristics of Agricultural Households in India Report No. 573: Some Aspects of Farming in India Report No. 576: Income, Expenditure, Productive Assets and Indebtedness of Agricultural Households in India
24	Social consumption: Health	January 2014 – June, 2014	KI (71/25.0): Key Indicators of Social Consumption: Health Report No. 574: Health in India
25	Social consumption: Education	January 2014 – June, 2014	KI (71/25.2): Key Indicators of Social Consumption: Education in India Report No. 575: Education in India, 2014
26	Domestic Tourism Expenditure	July, 2014 – June, 2015	KI (72/21.1): Key Indicators of Domestic Tourism in India Report No. 580: Domestic Tourism in India
27	Household Expenditure on Services and Durable Goods	July, 2014 – June, 2015	KI (72/1.5): Key Indicators of Household Expenditure on Services and Durable Goods
28	Manufacturing sector enterprises	July 2005 – June 2006	NSS Report No. 524: Operational Characteristics of Unorganised Manufacturing Enterprises in India, 2005-06 NSS Report No. 525: Unorganised Manufacturing Sector in India, 2005-06 – Employment, Assets and Borrowings NSS Report No. 526: Unorganised Manufacturing Sector in India, 2005-06 – Input, Output and Value Added
29	Service sector enterprises excluding Trade	July 2006 – June 2007	NSS Report No. 528: Service Sector in India (2006-07): Operational Characteristics of Enterprises NSS Report No. 529: Service Sector in India (2006-07): Economic Characteristics of Enterprises
30	Unincorporated non-agricultural enterprises in manufacturing, trade and other service sector (excluding Construction)	July 2010 – June 2011	KI (67/2.34): Key Results of Survey on Unincorporated Non-agricultural Enterprises (Excluding Construction) in India NSS Report No. 546: Operational Characteristics of Unincorporated Non-agricultural Enterprises (Excluding Construction) in India NSS Report No. 549: Economic Characteristics of Unincorporated Non-agricultural Enterprises (Excluding Construction) in India
31	Annual Survey of Industries (ASI)	Continuous annual Survey conducted for every financial year from 2003-04 to 2013-14	Reports released for all surveys of ASI conducted for every financial year from 2003-04 to 2013-14.

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

March 18, 2025

MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Steps Taken by EPFO to Streamline Process of Claim Settlement
Source: Government of India

Posted On: 17 MAR 2025 2:49PM by PIB Delhi

EPFO has taken several steps to streamline the process of claim settlement. Some of these are as following:
1. For Auto mode processing of advance claims, the amount limit has been enhanced to Rupees One lakh. Further, in addition to illness / hospitalization advances, the advances for housing, education and marriage are also enabled for auto mode processing. Now, 60% of advance claims are processed are in auto mode.
The auto-mode claims are processed within three days. EPFO achieved a historic high of 2.16 crore auto-claims settlement as on 06.03.2025 during the current financial year, up from 89.52 lakh in FY 2023-24.
1. Member details correction process has been simplified, and members having Aadhaar-verified UANs can make corrections in their IDs themselves, without any EPFO interventions. At present, about 96% corrections are being done without any EPF office intervention.
1. Over 99.31% claims are now received in online mode, without any requirement to visit the field office. In FY 2024-25 as on 06.03.2025, 7.14 Crore claims have been filed in online mode.
1. In Transfer claim submission requests, the need for employer’s attestation of Aadhaar-verified UANs has been done away with. Now only 10% transfer claims require member and employer’s attestation.
2. The requirement for submitting a cheque-leaf with the claim form has also been relaxed for KYC-compliant UANs meeting prescribed criteria.
3. EPFO has also provided de-linking facilities to the members, whose EPF accounts have been erroneously/fraudulently linked by the establishments. Since its launch on 18.01.2025, more than 55,000 members have de-linked their accounts till the end of February, 2025.
4. Certain upfront validations have been developed to guide members about eligibility /admissibility of claims so as to ensure that members do not file ineligible claims
1. The claim settlement process is being further simplified with Centralization of member databases under Centralized IT Enabled System (CITES 2.01).
This information was given by Union Minister of State for Labour & Employment, Sushri Shobha Karandlaje in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

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Himanshu Pathak

(Release ID: 2111756) Visitor Counter : 11

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –
March 18, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: India – New Zealand Joint Statement

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 17 MAR 2025 2:39PM by PIB Delhi

At the invitation of the Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister of New Zealand, Rt Hon Christopher Luxon, is on an Official Visit to India on 16-20 March 2025. Prime Minister Luxon, who is on his first visit to India in his current capacity, is visiting New Delhi and Mumbai, and is accompanied by Hon. Louise Upston, Minister for Tourism and Hospitality, Hon. Mark Mitchell, Minister for Ethnic Communities, and Sport and Recreation, and Hon. Todd McClay, Minister for Trade and Investment, Agriculture, and Forestry, and a high-level delegation comprising of officials, and representatives of businesses, community diaspora, media and cultural groups.

Prime Minister Luxon was accorded a warm and traditional welcome in New Delhi. Prime Minister Modi held bilateral talks with Prime Minister Luxon. Prime Minister Modi will inaugurate the 10th edition of the Raisina Dialogue on 17 March 2025 in New Delhi with Prime Minister Luxon as the Chief Guest delivering the Inaugural Keynote Address. The Prime Minister laid a wreath at Raj Ghat Mahatma Gandhi Memorial and also called on President Droupadi Murmu.

The Prime Ministers reaffirmed their shared desire to further strengthen the growing bilateral relationship between India and New Zealand which is anchored in shared democratic values and robust people-to-people ties. Both leaders recognized that there remains significant potential for further growth in the bilateral relationship and agreed to cooperate closely in diverse areas, including trade and investment, defence and security, education and research, science and technology, agri-tech, space, mobility of people and sports.

The Prime Ministers exchanged views on regional and global developments of mutual interest and agreed to strengthen multilateral cooperation. The Prime Ministers recognised that we face an increasingly uncertain and dangerous world. They noted that, as maritime nations, India and New Zealand have a strong and common interest in an open, inclusive, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific, where the rules-based international order is upheld.

The Prime Ministers reaffirmed the right of freedom of navigation and overflight and other lawful uses of the seas in accordance with international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The Prime Ministers reaffirmed the need to pursue peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with international law, particularly UNCLOS.

The Prime Ministers noted with satisfaction the strong connections between the people of the two countries, with Indian-origin people making up almost six percent of New Zealand’s population. They appreciated the significant contribution of the Indian diaspora in New Zealand and their positive role in facilitating people-to-people ties between the two countries. Both leaders agreed on the significance of ensuring the safety and security of the Indian community, including students, in New Zealand, and of New Zealanders in India and visitors to India.

Cooperation in trade, investment and financial matters:

The Prime Ministers welcomed sustained trade and investment flows between India and New Zealand and called for further exploring the potential to expand bilateral trade. They encouraged businesses on both sides to cultivate links; explore emerging economic and investment opportunities to build upon the complementarities of the two economies.

The Leaders called for greater two-way investment, reflective of the ongoing strong momentum in bilateral cooperation.

The Prime Ministers agreed to enhance the trade and investment relationship between India and New Zealand to realise its untapped potential and to contribute to inclusive and sustainable economic growth.

The Prime Ministers welcomed the launch of FTA negotiations for a balanced, ambitious, comprehensive, and mutually beneficial trade agreement to achieve deeper economic integration. The Leaders agreed that a comprehensive trade agreement offers a significant opportunity to enhance trade and economic cooperation. By leveraging each country’s strengths, addressing their respective concerns, and tackling challenges, a bilateral trade agreement can foster mutually beneficial trade and investment growth, ensuring equitable gains and complementarities for both sides. The Leaders committed to designate senior representatives to steer these negotiations to resolution as soon as reasonably possible.

Within the context of FTA negotiations, the Leaders agreed to discussions between respective authorities on both sides to explore early implementation of cooperation in the digital payments sector.

The Prime Ministers welcomed the signing of the Authorized Economic Operators Mutual Recognition Arrangement (AEO-MRA) under the aegis of the Customs Cooperation Arrangement (CCA) signed in 2024, which would facilitate easier movement of goods between the two countries by our respective trusted traders through close cooperation between customs authorities, thereby boosting bilateral trade.

The Leaders welcomed new cooperation on horticulture and forestry, including: the signing of the Memorandum of Cooperation on Horticulture which would enhance bilateral cooperation by promoting knowledge and research exchanges, development of post-harvest and marketing infrastructure; and the signing of a Letter of Intent on Forestry Cooperation that encourages policy dialogues and technical exchanges.

The Leaders recognized the positive role played by tourism in generating economic growth, increasing business engagements and generating greater understanding between people of the two countries. They welcomed the growing flows of tourists between India and New Zealand. They appreciated the update to the India-New Zealand Air Services Agreement and agreed to encourage their carriers for commencement of direct (non-stop) flight operations between the two countries.

Political, defence and security cooperation:

The Prime Ministers recognised the significance of parliamentary exchanges and encouraged regular visits of parliamentary delegations between the two countries.

The Prime Ministers acknowledged the shared history of sacrifice of Indian and New Zealand service personnel who fought and served alongside one another around the world over the past century.

The Prime Ministers welcomed sustained progress in defence engagements, including through participation in military exercises, staff college exchanges, regular port calls by naval ships, and exchange of high-level defence delegations. They recalled that the Indian Naval sailing vessel Tarini made a port call at Lyttelton, Christchurch, New Zealand in December 2024. They also referred to the upcoming port call in Mumbai by the Royal New Zealand Navy Ship HMNZS Te Kaha.

Both Leaders welcomed the signing of the India-New Zealand Memorandum of Understanding for Defence Cooperation. This will further strengthen bilateral defence cooperation and establish regular bilateral defence engagement. Both sides noted the need for ensuring the safety and security of sea lanes of communication and agreed there needs to be regular dialogue to discuss enhancement of maritime safety.

New Zealand welcomed India joining the Combined Maritimes Forces. Both Leaders welcomed advancement in defence ties during New Zealand command of Command Task Force 150.

Both Leaders appreciated the regular training exchanges of officers, including at Defence Colleges on reciprocal basis. Both sides agreed for enhanced capacity building cooperation.

Prime Minister Luxon expressed New Zealand’s interest in joining the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI). Prime Minister Modi welcomed New Zealand into this partnership with like-minded countries which seek to manage, conserve and sustain the maritime domain. Further cooperation as maritime nations is also being explored between India and New Zealand with discussions taking place between experts on the National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) which is being established at Lothal, Gujarat.

Cooperation in science & technology and disaster management:

The two Leaders noted the significance of research, scientific connections, technology partnerships and innovation as an important pillar of the bilateral partnership and called for exploring such opportunities in mutual interest. Both sides stressed the need for stronger collaboration to develop and commercialize technologies in identified areas through closer collaboration between businesses, and industries.

The two sides recognized the challenges for their economies presented by climate change and the transition to low emissions climate resilient economies. Prime Minister Luxon welcomed India’s leadership in the International Solar Alliance (ISA) and reiterated New Zealand’s strong support as a member since 2024. Prime Minister Modi welcomed New Zealand joining the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), which aims at making systems and infrastructure resilient in order to achieve the objectives of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Paris Climate Agreement and the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction.

The two Leaders welcomed work towards a Memorandum of Cooperation on earthquake mitigation cooperation between relevant authorities of India and New Zealand, which would facilitate inter alia exchange of experiences in earthquake preparedness, emergency response mechanism, and capacity building.

Education, mobility, sports and people to people ties:

Both Prime Ministers agreed that there exists great potential to further strengthen the growing education and community links between India and New Zealand. They encouraged academic institutions of both countries to build future-oriented partnerships focused on areas of mutual interest including in areas of science, innovation, new and emerging technologies.

The Leaders encouraged the creation of further opportunities for Indian students seeking quality education programmes in New Zealand. They noted the significance of skill development and mobility of skilled personnel to support expanded engagement in sectors, including science, innovation, and new and emerging technologies. The two Leaders agreed, within the context of the trade agreement negotiations, which the Leaders have agreed to launch, to also launch negotiations on an arrangement facilitating the mobility of professionals and skilled workers between the two countries, while also addressing the issue of irregular migration.

The Leaders welcomed the signature of the refreshed Education Cooperation Arrangement between the Indian Ministry of Education and the New Zealand Ministry of Education. This Arrangement will facilitate the continued exchange of information on India’s and New Zealand’s respective education systems as the basis for strengthening the bilateral education relationship.

The Leaders noted that India and New Zealand enjoy close sporting links, particularly in cricket, hockey and other Olympic sports. They welcomed the signing of the Memorandum of Cooperation on Sports to foster greater sporting engagement and collaboration between countries. They also welcomed the “Sporting Unity” events planned in 2026, to recognise and celebrate 100 years of sporting contact between India and New Zealand.

The Prime Ministers acknowledged the importance of robust systems of traditional medicine in India and New Zealand, and welcomed discussions between experts, including science and research experts, on both sides to understand and explore possible areas of cooperation, including through sharing of information and best practices and visits of experts.

Both Prime Ministers noted the growing interest among New Zealanders in Yoga and Indian music and dance, as well as the free observance of Indian festivals. They encouraged further promotion of bilateral ties including through music, dance, theatre, films, and festivals.

Cooperation in regional and multilateral fora:

Both Prime Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to supporting an open, inclusive, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific where sovereignty and territorial integrity are respected.

The Leaders noted cooperation between India and New Zealand in various regional fora, including ASEAN-led fora such as the East Asia Summit, the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus and the ASEAN Regional Forum. The Leaders reaffirmed the importance of these regional bodies and ASEAN centrality for furthering security and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific region and emphasised the importance of all parties maintaining peace and stability in the region.

Both Leaders emphasized on the importance of an effective multilateral system, centered on a United Nations that is reflective of contemporary realities, as a key factor in tackling global challenges. The two sides stressed the need for UN reforms, including of the Security Council through expansion in its membership, to make it more representative, credible and effective. New Zealand endorsed India’s candidature for permanent membership in a reformed UN Security Council. The two sides agreed to explore the possibility of extending mutual support to each other’s candidatures at the multilateral fora.

Both Leaders emphasized the importance of upholding the global nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation regime, and acknowledged the value of India joining the Nuclear Suppliers Group in context of predictability for India’s clean energy goals and its non-proliferation credentials.

Both Leaders reaffirmed their firm support for peace and stability in the Middle East and welcomed the agreement for the release of hostages and ceasefire of January 2025. They reiterated their call for continued negotiations to secure a permanent peace, which includes the release of all hostages and the rapid, safe and unimpeded humanitarian access throughout Gaza. Both Leaders stressed the importance of a negotiated two-State solution, leading to the establishment of a sovereign, viable and independent state of Palestine, and living within secure and mutually recognized borders, side by side in peace and security with Israel.

The Leaders exchanged views on the war in Ukraine and expressed support for a just and lasting peace based on respect for international law, principles of the UN charter, and territorial integrity and sovereignty.

The two Leaders reiterated their absolute condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, and the use of terrorist proxies in cross-border terrorism. Both stressed the urgent need for all countries to take immediate, sustained, measurable, and concrete action against UN-proscribed terrorist organizations and individuals. They called for disrupting of terrorism financing networks and safe havens, dismantling of terror infrastructure, including online, and bringing perpetrators of terrorism to justice swiftly. The two leaders agreed to cooperate in combating terrorism and violent extremism through bilateral and multilateral mechanisms.

The two Prime Ministers noted with satisfaction the progress in ongoing bilateral cooperation and reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen and deepen the bilateral partnership for mutual benefit as well as for the benefit of the Indo-Pacific Region. They called for exploring the potential to deepen bilateral engagement and explore new avenues of cooperation, including in the fields of green and agriculture technologies.

Prime Minister Luxon thanked Prime Minister Modi and the Government and the people of India for the warmth and hospitality extended to him and to the members of his delegation during his Official Visit to India. Prime Minister Luxon invited Prime Minister Modi to undertake a reciprocal visit to New Zealand.

***

MJPS/ST

(Release ID: 2111753) Visitor Counter : 107

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

March 18, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Hong Kong’s Gross National Income and external primary income flows for the fourth quarter of 2024 and the whole year of 2024

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Hong Kong’s Gross National Income and external primary income flows for the fourth quarter of 2024 and the whole year of 2024
Hong Kong’s GNI, which denotes the total income earned by Hong Kong residents from engaging in various economic activities, increased by 7.1% in the fourth quarter of 2024 over a year earlier to $898.6 billion at current market prices. The Gross Domestic Product (GDP), estimated at $836.5 billion at current market prices in the same quarter, recorded a 5.3% increase over a year earlier. The value of GNI was larger than GDP by $62.1 billion in the fourth quarter of 2024, which was equivalent to 7.4% of GDP in that quarter, mainly attributable to a net inflow of investment income.

After netting out the effect of price changes over the same period, Hong Kong’s GNI increased by 5.2% in real terms in the fourth quarter of 2024 over a year earlier. The corresponding GDP in the same quarter increased by 2.4% in real terms.

Hong Kong’s total inflow of primary income, which mainly comprises investment income, estimated at $496.8 billion in the fourth quarter of 2024 and equivalent to 59.4% of GDP in that quarter, recorded an increase of 8.1% over a year earlier. Meanwhile, total primary income outflow, estimated at $434.7 billion in the fourth quarter of 2024 and equivalent to 52.0% of GDP in that quarter, also increased by 4.9% over a year earlier.

As for the major components of investment income inflow, direct investment income (DII) increased significantly by 10.8% over a year earlier, mainly due to the increase in earnings of some prominent local enterprises from their direct investment abroad. Portfolio investment income (PII) recorded a significant increase of 13.4% over a year earlier, mainly attributable to the increase in interest income received by resident investors from their holdings of non-resident debt securities.

Regarding the major components of investment income outflow, DII increased by 6.1% over a year earlier, mainly due to the increase in earnings of some prominent multinational enterprises from their direct investment in Hong Kong. PII increased significantly by 11.6%, mainly attributable to the increase in interest payout to non-resident investors from their holdings of resident debt securities and the increase in dividend payout to non-resident investors from their holdings of resident equity securities.

Analysed by country/territory, the mainland of China continued to be the largest source of Hong Kong’s total primary income inflow in the fourth quarter of 2024, accounting for 42.0%. This was followed by the British Virgin Islands (BVI), with a share of 17.6%. Regarding total primary income outflow, the mainland of China and the BVI remained the most important destinations in the fourth quarter of 2024, accounting for 27.5% and 21.9% respectively.

For 2024 as a whole, Hong Kong’s GNI increased by 7.5% over a year earlier to $3,477.8 billion at current market prices. The difference of $300.8 billion from GDP for the same year (estimated at $3,177.0 billion) represented a net primary income inflow of the same amount and was equivalent to 9.5% of GDP in that year. The total primary income inflow was estimated at $2,204.0 billion, or 69.4% of GDP in 2024 while the corresponding outflow at $1,903.2 billion, or 59.9% of GDP in 2024. After netting out the effect of price changes, Hong Kong’s GNI increased by 5.0% in real terms in 2024 over 2023.

Further Information

GDP and GNI are closely related indicators for measuring economic performance. GDP is a measure of the total value of production of all resident producing units of an economy. GNI denotes the total income earned by residents of an economy from engaging in various economic activities, irrespective of whether the economic activities are carried out within the economic territory of the economy or outside.

Figures of GNI and primary income flows analysed by income component from the first quarter of 2023 to the fourth quarter of 2024 are presented in Table A, while selected major country/territory breakdowns of primary income inflow and outflow for the same quarters are presented in Tables B(1) and B(2) respectively.

Statistics on GDP and GNI from 2023 onwards and primary income flows for 2024 are subject to revision when more data are incorporated.

More detailed statistics are given in the report “Gross National Income and External Primary Income Flows, Fourth Quarter 2024”. Users can browse and download this publication at the website of the C&SD (www.censtatd.gov.hk/en/EIndexbySubject.html?pcode=B1040005&scode=250
For enquiries about GNI and related statistics, please contact the Balance of Payments Branch (2) of the C&SD (Tel: 3903 7054 or email: gni@censtatd.gov.hkIssued at HKT 16:30

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Categories24-7, Asia Pacific, Hong Kong, Hong Kong Government special administrative region, MIL OSI

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

March 18, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Relevance of Commission financial support for the French-Brazilian initiative by Cirad and Embrapa to treat pathogenic fungus Ceratobasidium sp. in Guyana – E-002778/2024(ASW)
Source: European Parliament

The Commission is aware of the challenges facing the EU’s outermost regions and French Guyana in terms of food security and farming and is fully committed to supporting the development of these regions.

The outermost regions can receive support under the Single Market Programme[1] for the implementation of phytosanitary programmes for the control of pests. However, Ceratobasidium sp. does not feature among the pests eligible for funding in the phytosanitary programme 2025-2027[2].

The outermost regions can also benefit from support through the Horizon Europe programme for plant health research and innovation.

This area is a priority under cluster 6 ‘Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment’ of the Horizon Europe Programme[3], and will remain a key focus in future work programmes[4].

Under Horizon 2020[5] and Horizon Europe, numerous projects in plant health were funded, including initiatives addressing emerging threats from plant pests.

The outermost regions benefit from further support for agriculture and food autonomy under the Common Agricultural Policy and the Programme of options specifically relating to remoteness and insularity.

The French Common Agricultural Policy Strategic Plan supports research projects for agriculture through the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development[6], enabling outermost regions to address plant health challenges.

The LIFE[7] programme under which the outermost regions benefit from bonus points for their applications, also supports biodiversity protection and projects relating to invasive alien species.

Outermost regions also benefit from the ‘BESTLIFE2030: Grant scheme for biodiversity in EU Overseas’[8] that finances small biodiversity projects with 95% financing.
- [1] Regulation (EU) 2021/690 of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing a programme for the internal market, competitiveness of enterprises, including small and medium-sized enterprises, the area of plants, animals, food and feed, and European statistics (Single Market Programme).
- [2] Commission Implementing Decision of 8.4.2024 on adoption of the multiannual work programme for 2025-2027 for the implementation of veterinary programmes for animal diseases and zoonoses and phytosanitary programmes for plant pests.
- [3] https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/funding/funding-opportunities/funding-programmes-and-open-calls/horizon-europe/cluster-6-food-bioeconomy-natural-resources-agriculture-and-environment_en
- [4] https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/funding/funding-opportunities/funding-programmes-and-open-calls/horizon-europe/strategic-plan_en
- [5] https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/funding/funding-opportunities/funding-programmes-and-open-calls/horizon-2020_en
- [6] https://commission.europa.eu/funding-tenders/find-funding/eu-funding-programmes/european-agricultural-fund-rural-development-eafrd_en
- [7] https://cinea.ec.europa.eu/programmes/life_en
- [8] https://bestlife2030.org/
MIL OSI Europe News –
March 18, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – New Commission portfolio dedicated to housing and implications for Member State and local authority competences – E-002995/2024(ASW)

Source: European Parliament

The EU is facing a severe housing crisis impacting millions of people. To help tackle this crisis, the Commission has appointed the first-ever Commissioner for Housing and has established a Task Force for Housing.

It assists the Commission in coordinating the work among its services and supporting Member States, Mayors and local authorities to address structural drivers, to unlock public and private investment for affordable and sustainable housing, and to add value at EU level, where needed.

The Commission will be working closely with the European Parliament and the Council, across institutions and different levels of public administrations, and across sectors.

The Commission will assess various aspects of the lack of affordable housing. Throughout 2025, the Commission intends to extensively consult all relevant stakeholders. All this will feed into the European Affordable Housing Plan (EAHP) and ensure that the plan is well-targeted.

In addition, the Commission services are examining how state aid rules for housing could be revised to enable housing support measures, notably for energy efficiency and social housing, and conduct an analysis of the impact of housing speculations and its economic consequences.

The Commission will also work together with the European Investment Bank to establish a pan-European investment platform for affordable and sustainable housing and work closely with other international financial institutions, national promotional banks, and institutions and other stakeholders in this work. The Commission will also develop a European Strategy for Housing Construction.

Regarding the impact of migration on the housing market, the Commission will assess it during the development of the EAHP.

MIL OSI Europe News –

March 18, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Measures taken by Santiago de Compostela City Council to prevent the city being overrun by tourists – E-003059/2024(ASW)
Source: European Parliament
The Commission thanks the Honourable Member to have drawn its attention to the measures introduced by the City Council of Santiago de Compostela.

The EU is indeed facing a severe housing crisis impacting the quality of life of millions including students, young people and families as well as businesses.

To help tackle this crisis the Commission has nominated the first-ever Commissioner for Housing and established a Task Force for Housing which has started working on 1 February 2025.

This Task Force will coordinate the various strands of work across the Commission and will support Member States and subnational actors to address structural and drivers of the crisis.

The Commission intends to put forward a European Affordable Housing Plan early 2026.

The development of this plan requires a thorough analysis of the various aspects of the housing crisis. This is why, during 2025, the Commission will carry out an extensive dialogue with EU institutions, Member States authorities and stakeholders to map the various challenges and identify best practices, such as those in Santiago mentioned by the Honourable Member.

At the same time, the Commission is fully conscious of the importance of tourism for the European economy. Hence, the Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism will prepare a Strategy for Sustainable Tourism in the next months.

The EU Tourism Platform[1], launched in 2024, may allow the City Council of Santiago de Compostela to submit its best practices and pledges.

A new Regulation (EU) 2024/1028[2] on short-term rentals will be effective as from May 2026 and the Commission is committed to working with public authorities and platforms to bring more transparency.

[1] https://transition-pathways.europa.eu/tourism/stakeholders-actions/

[2] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2024/1028/oj/eng
Last updated: 17 March 2025
MIL OSI Europe News –
March 18, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Crop irrigation difficulties of farmers in Evros – EU action needed – E-000430/2025(ASW)
Source: European Parliament
1. The Commission makes considerable efforts to foster transboundary cooperation on water management as required by Article 13 of the Water Framework Directive (WFD)[1] which sets a requirement for Member States, in the case of an international river basin district, to ensure coordination for the benefit of water bodies. Moreover, Article 12 of the WFD lays down that where a Member State identifies an issue which has an impact on the management of its water but cannot be resolved by that Member State, it may report the issue to the Commission and any other Member State concerned and may make recommendations for the resolution of it. There are no records in the Commission of such a formal notification. The agreement on the River Arda continues to be the subject of bilateral discussions.

2. Precision irrigation, the use of wastewater in agriculture[2] and less water consuming crops can increase irrigation efficiency. Through the Common Agricultural Policy[3] the Greek Strategic Plan[4] offers tools supporting the irrigation sector. Under rural development, investment support is available for improving irrigation facilities, as well as for agricultural holdings adopting water conservation techniques. Furthermore, farmers may participate on a voluntarily basis in eco-schemes relevant to agricultural water sustainability, including the use of climate resilient crops and digital applications for irrigation. Finally, the cross-border cooperation Interreg programme Greece-Bulgaria 2021- 2027[5] provides financial resources to facilitate cooperation and may also support actions related to protocols and cooperation plans.

[1] Directive 2000/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2000 establishing a framework for Community action in the field of water policy, OJ L 327, 22.12.2000, p. 1-73.

[2] According to EU Regulation 2020/74, farmers can irrigate with treated wastewater. This regulation facilitates the establishment of water reuse systems, utilising treated wastewater from local reclamation facilities, https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2020/741/oj/eng

[3] https://agriculture.ec.europa.eu/common-agricultural-policy_en

[4] https://www.agrotikianaptixi.gr/category/sskap-2023-2027/sskap-egkrisi-tropopoiiseis/

[5] https://www.greece-bulgaria.eu/
Last updated: 17 March 2025
MIL OSI Europe News –
March 18, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – The OPEKEPE case in Greece: tackling CAP fund fraud and the effectiveness of prevention measures – E-000987/2025
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-000987/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Giuseppe Antoci (The Left)

A spate of cases of CAP fund fraud – particularly the wrongful subsidy claims[1] submitted by a number of parties in Greece[2] – has raised major concerns about the effectiveness of certain Member States’ fraud control and prevention measures.

DG AGRI has clarified that the land for which CAP funding is requested must be available to the funding beneficiary in accordance with national law. However, despite the European Court of Auditors[3] recommending improving and standardising the collection, sharing and analysis of data, including through the use of digital tools, there are still discrepancies in how irregularities and fraud are monitored and combated.

The European Public Prosecutor’s Office has, as a result, opened a number of investigations, proof that a more coordinated and structured approach is needed to tackle fraud. This state of affairs casts doubt on the EU’s ability to protect its financial interests and on the effectiveness of the measures currently in place[4].

In view of the above:

1.What is the Commission’s opinion on granting OLAF, EPPO and ECA direct access to IT tools like Arachne?

2.In the Commission’s opinion, how effective would the Antoci Protocol be as a preventive anti-fraud tool at European level?

3.What steps will the Commission take to enhance both the use of new technologies – including AI – and coordination between OLAF, EPPO and national authorities as part of efforts to prevent fraud and recover the proceeds of these activities?

Submitted: 6.3.2025

[1] ARES(2024)3169116: https://www.agronews.gr/files/CEB-2024-050-GR-L304LT_LFLT.pdf.

[2] https://www.politico.eu/article/greece-farmers-european-union-opekepe-pastureland-cap-common-agricultural-policy-2/.

[3] https://www.eca.europa.eu/Lists/ECADocuments/SR22_14/SR_CAP_Fraud_en.pdf

[4] PIF2023, COM (2024) 318 final – ‘The financial amounts linked to these cases have varied more due to a limited number of individual cases with high financial impact, and increased to EUR 585.8 million in 2023 (+103 % compared to 2022).’
Last updated: 17 March 2025
MIL OSI Europe News –
March 18, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Ensuring fair competition for farmers in the EU agricultural market in the future – E-000958/2025
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-000958/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Elsi Katainen (Renew)

The common agricultural policy turned a new leaf in 2023, when the new programming period began to be implemented. The new national programme for each individual Member State, created according to local conditions, represents an attempt to bring agricultural policy closer to farmers and their needs. That is the right way forward.

The European Commission, which took office in December 2024, has, as one of its main flagship projects, simplification. Reducing the administrative burden and legislative complexity and overlap must assume a key role. The same approach to simplification must also be extended to the agricultural sector and the law concerning farmers. These are particularly concrete measures to strengthen the competitiveness, profitability and market position of farmers, having regard to the European single market.

One practical notion regarding simplification is to steer EU funding in the direction of Member States under the ‘one envelope’ model. There have been clear references to the model in President von der Leyen’s guidelines, in the Communication on the multiannual financial framework and in the Commission work programme for 2025. A fixed sum would be allocated to the Member States by the EU, which would be targeted at EU programmes via the national plan, to reflect national requirements.

1.How does the European Commission intend to ensure that the one envelope model will strengthen the strategic position of agriculture in the spirit of the Vision for Agriculture, meanwhile continuing to preserve a stable single market in the agricultural sector, and safeguard a sufficient standard of living for producers, if the Member States can independently decide how much of the funding can be allocated to agricultural subsidies, depending on the year?

2.How does the European Commission intend to ensure that the legal protection of farmers and their faith in the future will not be compromised, and how can investment certainty be guaranteed when the EU budget period and national budget periods do not correspond to one another, and different governments have different priorities with EU funding?

Submitted: 6.3.2025
Last updated: 17 March 2025
MIL OSI Europe News –
March 18, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Deposit return schemes (DRS) across all Member States – E-000766/2025
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-000766/2025/rev.1
to the Commission
Rule 144
Mircea-Gheorghe Hava (PPE)

The 27 EU Member States have recently introduced measures to tackle packaging waste, aiming to achieve 100 % recycling rates by 2035 and a 15 % reduction in waste volume by 2040.

1.Given the EU’s objective to implement deposit return schemes (DRS) across all Member States by 2029, what specific measures will the Commission take to ensure the harmonised and interoperable implementation of these systems, particularly in border regions, to maximise collection rates and reduce complexity for producers and retailers?

2.How does the Commission intend to address the challenges related to the costs and space requirements for installing reverse vending machines, particularly for small retailers, taking into account potential incentives or financial support and the progress of discussions with competent authorities in Member States regarding the identification of funding options, including potential public budget contributions?

3.In the light of the current disparities among Member States regarding the inclusion or exclusion of certain materials (for example, glass) in DRS, how will the Commission ensure a uniform long-term approach to avoid complications for producers and consumers, and to maximise the efficiency of collection systems across the EU?

Submitted: 19.2.2025
Last updated: 17 March 2025
MIL OSI Europe News –
March 18, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Luis de Guindos: Interview with The Sunday Times

Source: European Central Bank

Interview with Luis de Guindos, Vice-President of the ECB, conducted by Jon Ihle

16 March 2025

The progress of annual inflation, at least up until February, looked like it was going in the wrong direction. Are you still confident that it will converge towards 2% sometime this year?

The disinflation process is on track. There was a small pick-up inflation in recent months, but this had been expected, mostly on account of unfavourable base effects in November, December and January.

The main reason for our confidence that inflation will come down to 2% is that all indicators for services and underlying inflation are moving in the right direction. A very important one is compensation per employee. According to recent data and in line with our projections, wage growth is moderating, which will help services inflation to gradually decline.

At the same time, we need to keep in mind that factors like tariffs and fiscal policy are causing a lot of uncertainty. But taking this into account, we are confident that headline inflation will converge on a sustainable basis towards our 2% medium-term target towards the end of this year or the beginning of next.

Let’s talk about some of the factors in this uncertain environment. What are the specific factors that are influencing the Governing Council’s thinking about the rate path right now, and how has that changed since the start of the easing cycle?

We have already reduced interest rates by a total of 150 basis points. This is what we refer to in our monetary policy statement as a “meaningfully less restrictive” stance than at the beginning of the cycle.

Our projections now show that inflation will converge towards our target in the medium term. But again, we need to consider the uncertainty of the current environment, which is even higher than it was during the pandemic. For instance, our projections don’t include the definitive level of the tariffs imposed by the United States and its trade partners, since the current situation is so volatile.

Nevertheless, we are confident that inflation is moving towards our target on a sustainable basis, for example due to the moderation in wage growth I mentioned earlier. Even energy prices, which had also resulted in a small pick-up in inflation, have started to decline.

Markets in the last few weeks have had some very strong reactions to the external environment. I’m thinking of the increase in German bond yields, changing expectations for fewer rate cuts from the ECB and the stock market correction in the United States. Does any of that feed into the ECB’s thinking on the rate path?

We look at a wide range of indicators, all of which have an impact on our analysis. These include the evolution of wages and of the economy in terms of domestic demand and growth. And we of course look at financing conditions, for which our bank lending survey is very useful.

It’s true that bond yields have increased due to the new German Government’s budgetary plans and that we have seen a correction in US equities from very high levels. But we also need to try to look through the short-term evolution of markets and distinguish between short-term volatility and permanent or medium-term forces. If we were to be as volatile as the markets, that wouldn’t be very reassuring.

You said the uncertainty now is even greater than during the pandemic. How would you characterise it? What are the big unknowns at the moment?

First, the policies of the new US Administration. There’s a lot of talk about tariffs, but it’s not just about that. The new Administration has also been quite clear about deregulating banks, non-banks and crypto-assets. And beyond that, they have announced that they want to modify corporate tax, which could affect capital flows across the Atlantic. In general, what we’re seeing is that the new US Administration isn’t very open to continuing with multilateralism, which is about cooperation across jurisdictions and finding common solutions for common problems. This is a very important change, and a big source of uncertainty.

Second, and as a result of the new Administration’s attitude towards defence, we have the European Commission’s proposal to increase national defence spending by 1.5% of GDP. This is certainly a decision in the right direction, and it will have an impact on the macroeconomic outlook. We don’t know enough details about the package to make an accurate assessment about its impact on the economy, but it will likely be positive for growth and have a limited impact on inflation.

Let’s focus on defence. Are you comfortable with national budget rules being relaxed to accommodate more defence spending? Will you need to adjust your monetary policy as those changes in fiscal policy come through?

We always take fiscal policy into account because it interacts with monetary policy. In this case, we need to know the concrete details of the package before we can make an accurate assessment. How will spending be distributed across items? In terms of economic impact, spending more on military wages is not the same as spending more on weapons. How much will be spent outside of the EU? How is it going to be financed? One part will be common debt, but the package is much larger than that. The rest could be covered by taxes or a reduction in public spending. All of these factors are important to know in order to assess the impact of the package on the economy.

It looks like we may be moving closer towards a resolution of the war in Ukraine, or at least a ceasefire. Would that be beneficial for the euro area economy? Would it change anything of what you’ve outlined so far?

From a human standpoint, a peace agreement would obviously be very positive. And in general, it would be beneficial for the economy as well. But we would need to see the exact terms of a potential settlement to know for sure.

Turning to the United States, what role do you see for the ECB in terms of managing trade shocks and the overall approach of the Trump administration?

We need to keep in mind that the current situation is very volatile. It seems like every day a new tariff is imposed or one that has already been announced is removed. Hopefully we’ll soon have more clarity on the US Administration’s plans for the time ahead.

Obviously, a trade war would be a lose-lose situation for everybody. It would have a much worse impact on growth than on inflation. This is because increasing tariffs raises prices at first, but lower growth subsequently offsets this initial price increase. We also need to look not only at bilateral tariffs between the United States and Europe but also at what economists call “trade diversion”. This means that, for example, tariffs imposed by the United States on Chinese goods could redirect trade flows to Europe, along with whatever economic impact that may have.

Once we have all the details of the final policies, we will be able to better assess their impact based on all these factors. We are now using a baseline scenario and several alternative scenarios with different trade distortions to try to calibrate the impact as best as we can.

Another aspect of the uncertainty in the United States is the way Trump is changing the relationship of the White House to many of the independent agencies in Washington. One of those might be the Federal Reserve. What would it mean for the ECB if its independence were to erode under President Trump? Has that scenario been discussed at all in the Governing Council?

No, we haven’t discussed that because we can’t imagine it happening. The independence of the Federal Reserve is enshrined in law. We will always defend the independence of central banks, which is crucial to ensure they can fulfil their mandates.

There are a lot of question marks over the predictability of the United States. Does Europe need to start thinking about making the euro more of a global reserve currency, if the dollar becomes less reliable?

The euro is already a reserve currency, and strengthening its role in that respect is not part of our mandate. But keeping inflation low, increasing the potential growth of the European economy, signalling openness to trade agreements with different jurisdictions and making the European Union a model for free trade all over the world – all of this would strengthen the role of the euro as a reserve currency.

But do you see a need for Europe to step more into that role ahead of the United States?

I wouldn’t make comparisons with the United States. What Europe should do is maintain the position that it has always had as an open economy, in favour of free trade, the free flow of capital and multilateralism.

Earlier you said that a trade war would be very detrimental to growth, but we don’t know all the details yet. How has the ECB’s view on euro area growth evolved in the last few months?

We have downgraded our growth outlook for 2025 and 2026 by 0.2 percentage points. There are two main drivers behind that downward revision. First, uncertainty about the economy in the coming months has clearly dented confidence, and this is having an impact on investment. And second, a possible trade war would reduce net exports.

Philip Lane has said recently that the conditions in the euro area are right for a pick-up in household consumption. Do you share his optimism that it can increase and maybe drive economic growth?

All the factors that Philip indicated are correct. Real wages have increased, inflation is declining, interest rates are coming down and financing conditions are better. But still, the reality is that consumption is not picking up.

This is because consumers don’t always react to developments in their short-term real disposable income. They also consider what might happen with the economy over the medium term, which is clouded in uncertainty. The possibility of a trade war or wider geopolitical conflict has an impact on consumer confidence.

Eventually, the increase in the factors that Philip pointed out will prevail. But right now, the lack of consumer confidence due to the uncertainty of the world economy is offsetting that effect.

European households have enormous cash savings at the moment, especially since the pandemic. Christine Lagarde has spoken frequently about turning those cash savings into investment to drive innovation and growth. Are you optimistic that this can become a reality?

The capital markets union is certainly very important, but looking at the current economic situation in Europe, it’s crucial to put structural reforms in place to make it more productive and competitive. This is also what the Letta and Draghi reports argued.

Fully integrating the internal market will be key here. It’s very difficult to have a capital markets union if you don’t have an integrated economy for goods and services. There are certainly concrete actions we can take to complete the capital markets union, but we should also focus on removing the internal obstacles to a real single market in Europe.

There are three key elements here: fully integrating the Single Market, completing the banking union and completing the capital markets union. We must make progress on these three elements in parallel; it will be very difficult to make progress on one of them in isolation.

Which of those elements would you say the ECB has the most influence on? And what can it do?

Our mandate is price stability, but we also have an advisory role and produce expert opinions. Our economists and researchers carry out a lot of analytical work on Europe. The European Council and the Commission listen to what we have to say, and we are also accountable to the European Parliament. So we continuously use our voice to make the points that we believe are key to making the European economy more productive and competitive.

Are you happy with the levels of credit flow from European banks to households and businesses?

They are on the rise, following the rate cuts and the improvement in financing conditions. Demand for credit is not very strong, at least from a corporate standpoint, although it’s gradually increasing. This has to do with the lack of investor confidence. If you have doubts about the future and you’re waiting to see what will happen with trade, fiscal policy and geopolitical risk, you don’t invest, so you also don’t borrow. But in the case of households, we have started to see a significant increase in demand for mortgages.

Speaking of housing: in several countries of the euro area, housing is in crisis. There’s an undersupply, and financing isn’t available to everybody that wants to buy a house. Do you think at this stage, nearly 15 years after the financial crisis, that lending rules are still too tight? Have regulators overcorrected on capital rules for banks, harming consumers and households?

The current situation is very different to the one that we had 15 years ago. As a finance minister in Spain, I was dealing with the burst of a big housing and credit bubble, similar to what we saw in Ireland. Now, residential real estate prices are a big problem, but the drivers aren’t the same as the ones we had back then. From a financing standpoint, the situation is very different because the banks’ solvency is not in question.

That being said, current developments in house prices are having a very negative impact on young people, who have a lot of trouble accessing housing. In some countries, this may have to do with issues with the rental market and how it is regulated. Policies should be put in place to make housing, mainly in the rental market, much more affordable. At the European level, improving the performance of the rental market will be very important in the near future. We should foster common action to achieve this, because it’s a significant source of social upset.

But this is for national governments to do, not the ECB. We do need to analyse the situation, however, because not all countries are in the same position with respect to their rental markets. And there are lessons to be learned from the policies some countries have put in place.

MIL OSI Europe News –

March 18, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Supporting people with Council Tax debt

Source: Scottish Government

Citizens Advice Scotland project expanded.

People struggling with Council Tax arrears will have access to enhanced advice through the expansion of a Citizens Advice Scotland project.

Backed by an additional £2.2 million in Scottish Government funding, the project provides tailored support to affected households and works with local authorities to support good practice in Council Tax debt collection.

The project has already been delivered in nine local authority areas, where it has helped to promote dignified and empathetic approach to debt collection and supported more than 1,600 people with advice on Council Tax issues. This additional funding will allow the project to be extended across the whole country.

Housing Minister Paul McLennan said:

“Any type of debt, including council tax debt, puts pressure on households and can cause real difficulties for family finances. Empathy and dignity must be at the heart of debt support.

“This project has already made a big difference to the way debts are collected in the local authorities where it is in place, including supporting people who cannot access digital technology, making connections with mental health services where needed and encouraging people to seek advice early.

“By helping families manage debts, this project will help us deliver on our driving mission of eradicating child poverty. Other steps we are taking to support this include investing £6.9 billion in social security for the year ahead, £37 million to deliver the expand the free school meals programme, and continuing to put more money in families pockets through the Scottish Child Payment.”

Background

Advice and support are available for people experiencing problem debt – Debt and money – Cost of Living Support Scotland

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

March 18, 2025

Category: Economy

CCI Organises 10th Edition of National Conference on Economics of Competition LawMinister of State, Shri Harsh Malhotra compliments CCI for its impactful role in curbing abusive conduct of dominant enterprises

Cantwell Statement on Voting Against GOP’s Continuing Resolution Bill

Interview with Luis de Guindos, Vice-President of the ECB, conducted by Jon Ihle

CCI Organises 10th Edition of National Conference on Economics of Competition Law

Minister of State, Shri Harsh Malhotra compliments CCI for its impactful role in curbing abusive conduct of dominant enterprises